Trump's proposal: Canada as America's 51st state?
"Many people in Canada LOVE being the 51st State," remarked Donald Trump, in response to Justin Trudeau's decision to resign as Prime Minister. "If Canada merged with the U.S. [...] what a great Nation it would be!" added the President-elect.
"Many people in Canada LOVE being the 51st State. The United States can no longer suffer the massive Trade Deficits and Subsidies that Canada needs to stay afloat. Justin Trudeau knew this, and resigned," wrote Trump on social media.
Trump was meant to discuss the creation of an "economic union" with the USA with Canadian investor and Shark Tank reality show participant Kevin O'Leary. However, Canadians do not support such a scenario. According to a December Angus Reid Institute poll, 5 percent of respondents support joining the United States.
Justin Trudeau's resignation
The Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, announced his resignation at a press conference in Ottawa. He resigned from his position as party leader and Prime Minister. This will occur two weeks before Trump takes office, who is threatening a 25% tariff on all goods imported from Canada starting his first day in office. Trudeau emphasised that the government would continue to focus on defending Canadian interests.
Laura Dawson, director of the Future Borders Coalition, suggested that Trudeau's resignation came at the worst possible time for US-Canada relations. Xavier Delgado, a senior programme associate at the Wilson Centre's Canada Institute in Washington, agreed. Trudeau's resignation makes Canada and its economy vulnerable to any plans Trump might have.
Source: Truth, PAP, CBC News
