Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has criticised recent political developments in the US, describing them as setbacks for both gender equality and Canadian-American relations. Speaking at an event hosted by the Equal Voice Foundation, an organisation advocating for increased gender representation in politics, Trudeau referenced Kamala Harris’s loss in the recent US presidential election as “an attack on women’s progress.” He expressed dismay over the persistent barriers to equality, stating, “It shouldn’t be that way. We were supposed to be on a steady march towards progress.” Asserting his identity as a feminist, Trudeau pledged to remain an ally in advancing women’s rights.
Trudeau’s comments came amid escalating tensions with US President-elect Donald Trump, who has frequently targeted the Canadian Prime Minister with jibes and taunts. In his latest social media post, Trump referred to Trudeau as the “Governor of the Great State of Canada,” revisiting his earlier joke that Canada could become the 51st state of the United States. The comment, originally made during a dinner at Mar-a-Lago, resurfaced as Trump doubled down, suggesting that statehood might be Canada’s best option to survive the potential devastation of his proposed 25% tariffs on Canadian goods.
Trump’s mockery of Trudeau appears to stem from multiple factors, including their stark ideological differences and past diplomatic clashes. During Trump’s presidency, the two leaders frequently sparred over trade policies, climate change, and international relations. Trump reportedly bristled at Trudeau’s progressive stances, often viewing them as counter to his “America First” agenda. The tension reached a peak in 2018 at the G7 Summit, where Trump called Trudeau “weak” and “dishonest” following disagreements over trade. These past grievances seem to fuel Trump’s continued public jabs, even after his presidential term.
In his latest remarks, Trump framed his proposed tariffs as necessary to protect American jobs and industries, but he also implied that Canada was overly reliant on US subsidies, claiming the US “subsidises” Canada to the tune of $100 billion annually. He suggested that if Canada could not manage its economy without such subsidies, it should consider joining the US. “If we’re going to subsidise them, let them become a state,” Trump quipped during a talk show appearance.
Trudeau, however, struck a diplomatic tone in response, emphasising the deep economic interdependence between the two nations. He warned that the proposed tariffs would not only devastate Canada’s economy but also harm American consumers, who rely heavily on Canadian imports of crude oil, natural gas, steel, aluminium, and agricultural goods. “Let’s not kid ourselves—25% tariffs on Canadian goods would make life a lot more expensive for Americans,” he said.
Beyond trade, Trump’s mockery of Trudeau often seems aimed at undermining his leadership on the global stage. Trudeau’s outspoken support for multilateralism, gender equality, and progressive policies has positioned him as a foil to Trump’s nationalism and brash rhetoric. By belittling Trudeau as a “governor” and questioning Canada’s sovereignty, Trump not only stokes his base but also challenges Trudeau’s standing as a leader capable of defending Canadian interests.
Earlier, when Trump proposed a 25% tariff on Canadian goods, the Canadian Prime Minister promptly boarded a plane to Florida to address the issue in person. The meeting, held at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate, was meant to avert economic disaster for Canada. What Trudeau likely didn’t expect was Trump’s candid observation: “If Canada can’t survive without ripping off the US, maybe it should just become our 51st state.” The remark, reportedly accompanied by a suggestion to split Canada into two states—one liberal, one conservative—elicited nervous laughter from Trudeau and his team. But behind the levity lay a stark reality: Canada’s economic dependence on the US leaves it particularly vulnerable to shifts in American policy.
Canada’s trade relationship with the United States is not just significant—it is critical. The US is both Canada’s largest trading partner and its most substantial source of foreign investment. In 2022, the total trade between the two nations exceeded $960.9 billion, with the United States accounting for 63.4% of Canada’s global trade. This underscores the extent to which Canada’s economy is intertwined with that of its southern neighbour.
Canadian exports to the United States are particularly vital, amounting to $598 billion, which represents a staggering 75% of Canada’s total exports. A significant portion of this is driven by energy resources, as oil, natural gas, and electricity accounted for $199 billion, meeting over half of US energy imports. The automotive industry further highlights the integrated nature of the North American economy, with vehicles and parts exported from Canada to the US valued at $58 billion. Additionally, Canada exported $85 billion in timber, paper, and industrial machinery, demonstrating the breadth of its economic contributions.
