- D. Trump shares his thoughts on the possibility of annexing Canada
- Canadian politicians retaliate by proposing annexation of Washington, Oregon and California
- Trudeau has dismissed any notion of a possible annexation of Canada
- Prime Minister Trudeau will leave his warm position as Liberal leader
D. Trump shares his thoughts on the possibility of annexing Canada
President-elect Donald Trump's statements that Canada could join the United States have attracted attention, although the idea is far from new in American history. Trump recently stated that many Canadians "love being the 51st state" and even suggested using "economic force" to achieve annexation. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has rejected this idea, calling it impossible, and Mrs May, a local politician, has proposed annexing three American states to become Canadian provinces.
The concept of Canadian annexation has long been part of US rhetoric. During the War of 1812, President Thomas Jefferson predicted an easy conquest of Canada, which proved to be a fallacy as Americans overestimated Canadian support for the idea. In the 19th century, annexation was briefly accepted in US political circles on the assumption that Canadians would support it[1].
Canada, with a population of 41 million, would have 54 seats in the US House of Representatives and two seats in the Senate, which, because of the left-leaning Canadian electorate, would be heavily weighted in favor of the Democrats. Historically, Canada's left-wing parties have won 63% of the vote and the Conservatives 35%.
In US terms, the Canadian vote would replace most of the Republican majority in the House of Representatives, increase the number of Democratic seats in the Senate, and give 54 Electoral College votes to the Democrats - a fundamental change in the US elections.
However, it is pointed out that Trump's dreams of annexation may be nostalgic, but in reality, they would be a Republican nightmare.
Canadian politicians retaliate by proposing annexation of Washington, Oregon and California
Meanwhile, a video has gone viral on the internet showing Canadian politicians proposing annexing some American states such as Washington, Oregon and California. Elizabeth May, leader of the Canadian Green Party, suggested to Mr Trump to "take a breath of fresh air" before considering such a decision, saying that Canada does not want to become the "51st state", but that it could be joined by other states, such as California, which could become the 11th Canadian province.
The Canadians themselves only laughed uproariously at this proposal.
"They would have to go through northern Whatcom County, and there are more guns here than in the whole of Canada." - said one internet user.
"Your lord and savior, Trump, is mocking various countries and proposing to annex them. They will react to this. I'm just glad they're having fun and not taking it too seriously." - said another commentator[2].
And yet another commentator thought that May should be "kicked off Twitter" because she has forgotten that despite the efforts of Insley, Ferguson and Brown, there are still more armed citizens in Washington than in the Canadian army. And secession has historically required a strong military that would be prepared to defend such a decision.
Trudeau has dismissed any notion of a possible annexation of Canada
Meanwhile, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has strongly rejected President-elect Trump's threats to annex Canada, stating that "there is not the slightest chance of Canada becoming part of the United States". Trudeau's statement comes after he announced plans to resign when a new Liberal leader is elected.
In a speech on Tuesday, Mr Trump proposed using "economic force" to absorb Canada, saying it would be good for security and would eliminate "artificial borders". In response to Trump's statements, some of Canada's political leaders immediately reacted. For example, Pierre Poilievre, the Conservative leader who is likely to succeed Trudeau after the October elections, wrote on his X account that "Canada will never be the 51st state. Period."
Mélanie Joy, Minister of Foreign Affairs, called Trump's comments arrogant, stressing Canada's strength and independence[3].
D. Trump has refused to rule out taking similar action in Greenland or the Panama Canal, citing economic and national security interests. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen rejected the idea, stating that Greenland "is not for sale and will not be sold".
Prime Minister Trudeau will leave his warm position as Liberal leader
For his part, Trudeau announced on Monday that he will step down as leader of the Liberal Party, but will remain Prime Minister until a new leader is elected. Trudeau's decision comes amid mounting pressure within his party and political challenges, including the opposition's plans for a vote of no confidence.
To buy time, Trudeau has extended parliamentary sittings until 24 March and suspended all legislative activity, including the debate on his controversial Autumn Economic Statement. This delay allows the Liberals to hold a fast-track leadership contest without waiting for an urgent confidence vote.
The Liberal Party's constitution stipulates that a leadership vote must follow a resignation. Trudeau's successor will also take over as Prime Minister. Possible candidates include former Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, former Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney and current Finance Minister Dominic Leblanc.
At the end of March, Parliament will resume a new session and make a speech from the throne, triggering a confidence vote which, if the Liberals do not secure support, could lead to a federal election in May. Until then, Trudeau will continue to govern Canada during this politically turbulent period.
