Over the past month, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has been stirring up controversy with memes and statements suggesting Canada could become the 51st state. This week, those remarks took on a more serious tone following the resignation of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as leader of the Liberal Party.
In response, politicians across Canada, including Quebec Premier François Legault, have expressed strong opposition to the idea of closer integration with our southern neighbours.
On Wednesday, January 8, before meeting with other provincial leaders, Legault issued a detailed statement addressing Trump’s most recent remarks.
“President-elect Donald Trump’s comments about Canada, the Panama Canal and Greenland must be taken seriously,” the premier wrote in a lengthy social media post. “There is obviously no question of Canada becoming the 51st American state, but Mr. Trump will use every opportunity at his disposal to increase his leverage.”
Legault also drew attention to a recent encounter he had with Trump, where border security emerged as a topic of discussion. Reflecting on his chat with the 78-year-old president-to-be, Legault explained steps his government has taken to improve surveillance.
“As for border security, Donald Trump raised this issue with me in Paris, and it is a concern that we share. On November 19, I instructed the Department of Public Safety to begin active surveillance of our territory,” he added. “Since then, the SQ has been patrolling the border with the United States. We are also in contact with the RCMP, Immigration Canada and the American authorities.”
Legault also pointed out that Trump’s proposal of a 25% tariff on Canadian goods would have significant repercussions, not only for Canada but also for American consumers and businesses.
Citing the aluminum industry as an example, he explained, “Imposing 25% tariffs would hurt us, but it would also hurt American companies that need our products, not to mention the higher prices for Americans themselves.”
After Wednesday afternoon’s premiers meeting, Legault revealed that he and other provincial leaders intend to meet with Trump in Washington next month.
“Quebec and the other Canadian provinces intend to exercise leadership in discussions with the United States. Quebec wants to be at the negotiating table and will appoint its representative in due course.”
Meanwhile, Trump continues to push the concept of a U.S. takeover of the Danish autonomous territory of Greenland and share AI-generated images of him standing over Canada.
The inauguration of Trump as the 47th president of the United States is scheduled to take place on Monday, January 20.