In recent months, U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly suggested that Canada could avoid tariffs by joining the United States as the 51st state. At first, Canadian officials dismissed the remarks as a joke, but recently, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told an economic summit in Toronto that Trump’s threat to annex Canada was a “real thing” and that part of the reason was a desire to gain access to Canada’s vital mineral resources.

Trudeau’s comments came as he addressed a gathering of business and trade leaders who had gathered to discuss how to bolster Canada’s economy in the face of Trump’s tariff threats. At the summit, Trudeau stressed that Canada must think tactically and strategically over the next 30 days and engage with U.S. officials on border issues.

In response to these threats, Innovation, Science and Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne stated that “Canada is a proud nation” and stressed that “this will not happen.” Employment Minister and House Leader Stephen MacKinnon also stated: “Canada is free. Canada is independent. Canada will choose its own destiny.”

These developments come as Trump signed executive orders on February 1, 2025, that would impose a 25% tariff on all goods imported from Mexico and Canada, except for Canadian oil and energy exports, which are subject to a 10% tariff. The orders were issued under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and are scheduled to take effect February 4, 2025.

In response, Prime Minister Trudeau announced that Canada was prepared to respond decisively and immediately if the tariffs were implemented. The Canadian government has also announced a plan to invest $1.3 billion in border security to ease Trump's concerns.

The developments reflect growing tensions between Canada and the United States, as Canadian officials look for ways to strengthen their domestic economy and reduce their dependence on the American market.