Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has raised concerns over U.S. President Donald Trump’s remarks about absorbing Canada, describing them as “a real thing” and linking them to America’s interest in Canada’s vast natural resources, a government source confirmed on Friday.
Trudeau’s comments were made during a closed-door session with business and labor leaders discussing Canada’s response to Trump’s latest trade and tariff threats. However, the remarks were mistakenly broadcast over a loudspeaker and were first reported by the Toronto Star.
“They’re very aware of our resources, of what we have, and they very much want to be able to benefit from those,” Trudeau was quoted as saying.
“But Mr. Trump has it in mind that one of the easiest ways of doing that is absorbing our country. And it is a real thing.”
A government source later confirmed that the Star’s reporting of Trudeau’s comments was accurate.
Trump has repeatedly suggested that Canada would be better off as the 51st U.S. state, remarks that many have dismissed as rhetorical but which Trudeau now suggests may carry more weight.
Canada is currently working to avoid new U.S. tariffs, emphasizing its role as a trusted trade partner and major supplier of oil, minerals, and other resources to the United States. Earlier this week, Trump agreed to delay the imposition of new tariffs on Canadian exports for 30 days in exchange for greater cooperation on border security and crime enforcement, particularly in cracking down on fentanyl smuggling.
During the session, Trudeau acknowledged that even if Canada successfully fends off immediate trade measures, the country faces long-term political and economic uncertainty in its relationship with the United States.
“The strategic reflection we have to have right now is … how we get through, and thrive, and grow stronger over the next four years and into what may be a more challenging long-term political situation with the United States?” Trudeau told attendees.
He also warned that if the U.S. imposes tariffs, Canada would be forced to respond in kind, but reiterated that the goal remains the swift removal of such measures.
Peter Navarro, a senior Trump trade adviser, recently claimed that Canada has become a leading source of small, duty-free drug shipments, has “big visa issues”, and has allowed individuals on the U.S. terrorism watch list to enter the country.
With 75% of Canadian exports going to the U.S., Trudeau acknowledged that Canada remains highly vulnerable to American trade policies and emphasized the importance of diversifying trade partners to strengthen the country’s economic position.
“This is one of those moments and opportunities where … there’s a window open because of the context we’re in. We have to jump through it,” he said.
As Canada navigates rising trade tensions and Trump’s continued economic pressure, Trudeau’s government is expected to intensify diplomatic efforts to protect Canadian trade interests while strengthening domestic economic policies.
With Trump’s rhetoric about absorbing Canada now acknowledged at the highest levels, the evolving relationship between the two nations will remain a key geopolitical issue in the coming months.