Canada’s Foreign Minister Says Trump’s Plan to Make Canada the 51st State is ‘No Joke’ – BBC Reports
Canada’s Foreign Minister, Mélanie Joly, has told the BBC that she is taking President Donald Trump’s comments about making Canada the 51st state of the U.S. very seriously.
According to the BBC, Joly said, “This is not a joke anymore,” and explained that Canadians feel insulted and angry about Trump’s actions.
The BBC reports that this comes after Trump recently placed 25% taxes on Canadian goods entering the U.S. In response, Canada’s Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, called the move “very dumb” and announced plans to fight back with similar taxes on U.S. products.
Joly told the BBC that Trump’s decision is hurting the relationship between the two countries. She said, “We’re the best friends of the American people,” but added that Trump’s actions feel like a threat to Canada. The BBC also mentioned that Trump and Trudeau are expected to talk on the phone soon to discuss the issue.
The BBC highlighted that Trump’s taxes are not just affecting Canada. He has also placed taxes on goods from China and has threatened to do the same to European countries.
Joly told the BBC that Canada is like the “canary in the coal mine,” meaning other countries could face similar problems next.
Joly also told the BBC that Canada and the UK should work together to fight back if Trump imposes more taxes. She said, “We need to make sure we fight back,” and stressed that Canada will not let its guard down.
According to the BBC, Trump claims the taxes are meant to stop illegal immigration and drugs like fentanyl from entering the U.S. However, Trudeau has said Canada is responsible for less than 1% of fentanyl in the U.S.
The BBC reports that Canadians are showing their frustration in public, like booing the U.S. national anthem at hockey games.
Joly told the BBC that while Canadians are upset with Trump, they still consider Americans their closest friends.
For more details on this story, visit the BBC’s website.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvg198xxy1xo