MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – Ontario Premier Doug Ford responded to President-elect Donald Trump’s suggestion that Canada should become part of the United States by offering a counterproposal: Canada should buy Minnesota and Alaska.
Trump’s Comments on Canada Becoming the 51st State
Trump recently threatened to impose a 25% tariff on Canadian goods once he takes office on January 20. In light of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s resignation, Trump took another jab at Canada, referring to it as the “51st state” – a phrase he has used before. He has also suggested that the U.S. should purchase Greenland and Panama.
Ford’s Response to Trump
In response to Trump’s comments, Premier Doug Ford made a lighthearted offer during a press conference.
“I’ll make a counteroffer to the president,” Ford said. “How about if we buy Alaska and throw in Minnesota and Minneapolis at the same time?” he joked, according to CTV News Toronto.
Later, Ford clarified his remarks in an interview with CNN, confirming he was joking.
Background on Tariff Threats
Trump’s tariff threats are tied to concerns over migration and fentanyl crossing into the U.S. from Canada. However, reports show that far fewer migrants and much less fentanyl enter the U.S. from Canada compared to Mexico, as noted by the Associated Press.
Ford had previously warned that the tariffs would negatively impact the U.S. economy, particularly its stock markets, due to the highly integrated nature of the U.S. and Canadian economies.
Trade Relations Between the U.S. and Canada
Canada’s ambassador to Washington, Kirsten Hillman, pointed out that the U.S. had a $75 billion trade deficit with Canada last year. However, she emphasized that a significant portion of Canada’s exports to the U.S. is energy, with high oil and electricity prices contributing to trade balances. Canada supplies about 60% of U.S. crude oil imports and 85% of its electricity imports.
