VANCOUVER, British Columbia — The recent comments made by President-elect Donald Trump suggesting that Canada should consider becoming the 51st state have sparked criticism and patriotic reactions from former Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chrétien. On Saturday, he voiced his strong disapproval, urging Trump to reconsider his statements, imploring him to “give your head a shake!”
Chrétien, who served as prime minister from 1993 to 2003, is among a number of Canadian officials expressing concern that Trump’s words no longer carry the weight of jest, potentially jeopardizing the relationship between the U.S. and its closest ally. In an article published in The Globe and Mail to commemorate his 91st birthday, Chrétien emphasized that Canada would never acquiesce to becoming part of the United States.
He highlighted the deep-rooted values of independence cherished by Canadians, characterizing Trump’s remarks as “totally unacceptable insults and unprecedented threats” to the nation’s sovereignty. “To Donald Trump, from one old guy to another, give your head a shake!” Chrétien remarked. “What could make you think that Canadians would ever give up the best country in the world — and make no mistake, that is what we are — to join the United States?”
Trump’s expansionist rhetoric hasn’t been limited to Canada; he has made similar claims regarding other international allies, suggesting a need for the United States to extend its influence over territories such as Greenland and the Panama Canal.
While many European leaders have tempered their responses, the reaction from Canadians has been quite direct and unapologetic. Chrétien stated, “If you think that threatening and insulting us is going to win us over, you really don’t know a thing about us. We may look easy-going, mild-mannered. But make no mistake, we have spine and toughness.”
The economic ties between Canada and the U.S. are significant, with the U.S. relying on Canada for about 60% of its crude oil and Canada being the leading export market for 36 states. Each day, goods and services worth nearly $3.6 billion Canadian (approximately $2.7 billion) cross the border.
In anticipation of the incoming administration, Canadian officials have initiated discussions with Trump’s team to enhance border security, aiming to avert a potential 25% tariff that Trump has threatened to impose on all Canadian goods. During Trump’s initial term, in response to his implementation of higher tariffs, several countries reacted with their own counter-tariffs. Canada, for instance, imposed billions in new duties against the U.S. in 2018 following new tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum.
