New Delhi: Canadian opposition leader and New Democratic Party (NDP) leader Jagmeet Singh has issued a sharp rebuttal to US President-elect Donald Trump’s remarks about annexing Canada and making it the 51st state. Singh in a video message on social media platform X, declared, “Our country is not for sale. Not now, not ever.”
Singh’s statement came in response to Trump’s repeated claims on Truth Social that “many Canadians want Canada to become the 51st US state”. Trump also shared a map of Canada incorporated into US a few days ago.
I have a message for Donald Trump.
We’re good neighbours.
But, if you pick a fight with Canada – there will be a price to pay. pic.twitter.com/o60c4qIyza
— Jagmeet Singh (@theJagmeetSingh) January 12, 2025
‘Canadians are a proud people, ready to fight like hell’
In the 37-second clip, Singh asserted, “Canadians are a proud people, ready to fight like hell to defend our country.” He also highlighted the country’s solidarity with the US, citing Canadian firefighters aiding California’s battle against forest fires.
Singh also issued a stern warning to Trump: “If you think you can pick a fight with us, there’ll be a price to pay. If Trump imposes tariffs on us, we should respond with retaliatory tariffs in kind. I believe anyone running for Prime Minister should commit to this.”
Trump has rekindled his rhetoric about Canada becoming the 51st US state. On Christmas, he outlined “benefits” of such a move, claiming it would cut taxes by over 60%, double business growth, and provide superior military protection.
Trump’s merger proposal
Earlier this month, following Justin Trudeau’s resignation as Prime Minister, Trump floated a “merger” proposal, claiming it would eliminate tariffs and protect Canada from threats like Russian and Chinese ships.
Outgoing Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau dismissed Trump’s remarks as “absurd”, stating, “There isn’t a snowball’s chance in hell that Canada would become part of the United States.” He called for mutual respect between the two nations.
Singh echoed Trudeau’s sentiment, reinforcing Canada’s pride and sovereignty: “We’re good neighbours, but Canada is not for sale.”
Trump’s not only want to annex Canada, but also Greenland and Panama Canal. His rhetoric has not gone well with the allies. European leaders have condemned his revived proposal to acquire Greenland, a Denmark-controlled territory.
