'Not Going To Happen': Trudeau Urges US To Reconsider Tariff Plan Against Canada, Rejects Trump's '51st State' Offer

Canada’s outgoing Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, has urged Americans to consider the adverse effects of proposed 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian imports by US President-elect Donald Trump, cautioning that such measures could harm consumers and workers on both sides of the border.

Speaking to MSNBC, Trudeau remarked, “No American wants to pay 25 per cent more for electricity or oil and gas coming from Canada. This is something people need to take seriously.”

He emphasised the potential impact on US households, given that Canada supplies about a quarter of the oil consumed in the US, exporting 4.3 million barrels daily, primarily from Alberta.

Trump has also suggested that merging Canada with the US as its “51st State” could negate the need for tariffs. Trudeau dismissed the notion, stating, “The 51st state, that’s not going to happen. But people are talking about that instead of focusing on what a 25 per cent tariff on steel and aluminium coming into the US would mean.”

Canadian officials have warned of possible retaliation if the tariffs are implemented, including levies on American goods such as orange juice, toilets, and steel.

This mirrors actions taken during Trump’s first term when Canada imposed tariffs on US products like bourbon and motorcycles in response to similar trade measures.

Trudeau suggested that Trump’s threats might be a negotiation tactic. “He likes to keep people off balance,” he said, referencing Trump’s economic pressure strategies.

Trump has also linked the tariff threats to border security, suggesting he might reconsider if Canada enhances its border management. Trudeau countered by stating that less than 1 per cent of illegal immigrants and fentanyl enter the US from Canada.

However, after a November meeting with Trump, Trudeau announced increased spending on border security to address US concerns.

Trudeau, whose party is trailing in the polls, announced his resignation last week and will step down on 9 March, when Canada’s Liberal Party will elect a new leader.