Jagmeet Singh slams Trump’s Canada annexation claims

Ottawa, January 13 (Indian Abroad Newsdesk)

In a strong reaction to US President-elect Donald Trump’s controversial proposal to annex Canada, New Democratic Party (NDP) leader Jagmeet Singh recently stated, “Our country is not for sale. Not now, not ever.” Singh strongly criticized Trump’s remarks about turning Canada into the 51st US state in a 38-second video message shared on X (formerly Twitter). Singh highlighted the strong sense of pride Canadians have in their country, expressing their determination to defend it fiercely. He further warned Trump that any tariffs imposed on Canada would be met with retaliatory measures, urging future Canadian leaders to adopt a firm stance. Highlighting Canada’s values, Singh noted the country’s firefighters assisting California during devastating wildfires, showcasing its commitment to supporting neighbors.

Trump had earlier claimed on his social media platform, Truth Social, that many Canadians supported annexation, touting supposed benefits like a 60% tax reduction, business growth, and enhanced military protection. The US President-elect also revived his controversial 2019 proposal to acquire Greenland, suggesting economic or military force could be used, which drew strong condemnation from European leaders defending Greenland’s territorial integrity.

Former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who recently resigned as leader of the Liberal Party but remains in office until a successor is chosen, dismissed Trump’s remarks as “absurd.” Trudeau insisted there was “not a snowball’s chance in hell” that Canada would become part of the United States, calling for mutual respect in cross-border relations.

As tensions rise over Trump’s bold claims, Canadian and European leaders continue to push back, reaffirming their commitment to their nations’ sovereignty.