A notable Canadian politician has responded sharply to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s proposal that the two nations should unify, suggesting instead that Canada could acquire two of America’s border states.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford, who has led Canada’s largest province since 2018, humorously mentioned on Monday that Canada might consider buying Alaska and Minnesota as an alternative offer.
“Under my administration in Ontario, we would certainly never agree to that,” Ford stated regarding Trump’s aspirations to take control of Canada during an interview with CTV News. “We possess the finest country in the universe. Our province is unparalleled.”
When asked by a journalist if he believed Trump was merely joking, the Ontario leader proposed a counteroffer to the president-elect. “What if we were to buy Alaska? We’ll also include Minnesota and Minneapolis while we’re at it,” Ford suggested. “Of course, it isn’t realistic.”
“I understand he enjoys making these remarks and having a laugh—though I take them seriously,” added Ford. “He might joke about it, but during my tenure, that will never come to pass.”
Later that same day, in a conversation with CNN’s Erin Burnett, Ford clarified that the counteroffer was also meant in jest, expressing that he “can appreciate [Trump’s] sense of humor.” He mentioned that he shared Trump’s views on border security and acknowledged Canada’s role in NATO.
Ford emphasized the strong economic ties between the two nations. The Ontario premier has previously clashed with the incoming president over Trump’s threats to impose a 25% tariff on imports from Canada.
“Canada engages in $1.3 trillion of trade with the United States; we’re their top trading partner. We export 4.3 million barrels of oil every day. We also supply electricity and critical minerals to the U.S. These are vital sectors that Americans rely on, so why create disruption?”
On Tuesday, Trump escalated his aggressive stance, asserting he would employ “economic force” to coerce the northern neighbor into an agreement. This incited Canadian leaders to stand alongside the Ontario premier in dismissing Trump’s claims. “There’s not a chance in hell that Canada would ever become part of the United States,” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed in a post on X.
Trudeau’s resolute declaration came just a day after he revealed plans to resign as prime minister once his Liberal Party selects a new leader. Trump was quick to declare victory regarding Trudeau’s impending departure.
“Canada will never become the 51st state. No way,” wrote Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre in his own post. Poilievre’s party is currently leading Trudeau’s Liberals in the polls, positioning the Conservative leader as a potential future prime minister in the upcoming federal election.
