TORONTO, February 8, 2025 – Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has raised alarms over US President Donald Trump’s persistent rhetoric about absorbing Canada, warning business leaders that the idea is not just bluster but a serious strategic move driven by America’s hunger for critical minerals.
At an emergency summit in Toronto with business and labor leaders, Trudeau stressed that Trump’s mockery of Canadian sovereignty—calling the country the “51st state” and referring to him as “governor” instead of prime minister—should not be dismissed as mere negotiation tactics.
The US president briefly backed away from a devastating 25% tariff on Canadian imports, granting a 30-day reprieve for negotiations. However, Trudeau suggested that Washington’s real motive might be Canada’s vast reserves of lithium, graphite, nickel, copper, and cobalt—essential minerals for the green energy transition.
“I suggest that not only does the Trump administration know how many critical minerals we have, but that may be even why they keep talking about absorbing us,” Trudeau told summit attendees.
Trump’s rhetoric has triggered a wave of national pride across Canada, even affecting Quebec’s long-standing separatist movement. A recent Angus Reid poll shows that the number of Quebecers who feel “very proud” or “proud” to be Canadian has surged from 45% to 58% since December.
Federal ministers reassured Canadians that their sovereignty remains intact.
“Canada is free. Canada is sovereign,” said Employment Minister Steven MacKinnon. “Canada will choose its own destiny, thank you very much.”
Source: The Guardian
