Official announcements from the Canadian government or relevant trade organizations

Trudeau Says 'No Snowball's Chance' Canada Becomes 51st U.S. State

Jan 9, 2025, 09:25 PM

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has firmly dismissed U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's suggestion that Canada should become the 51st state of the United States. Trudeau stated that there is "not a snowball's chance in hell" of Canada joining the U.S., emphasizing Canadians' pride in their national identity. He characterized Trump's remarks as a distraction from the potential impact of a proposed 25% tariff on Canadian imports that Trump has threatened to impose, warning that such tariffs would make goods more expensive for American consumers. Pierre Poilievre, leader of Canada's Conservative Party and likely the next prime minister, also rejected the idea, stating, "Canada will never be the 51st state. We are a great and independent country." Trump had suggested using "economic force" to merge Canada with the United States, prompting strong responses from Canadian leaders who affirmed their country's sovereignty.