Trump’s Comments Stir Tensions as Canada Votes for Future

29-04-2025 Tue 06:00 | International | Ap7am Desk

Amid sensational remarks from United States President Donald Trump advocating for the annexation of Canada into the United States, critical general election polling is underway in Canada. Trump's comments are significantly influencing the atmosphere surrounding an election that is expected to determine the country’s future.

Donald Trump posted on his social media platform, Truth Social, expressing his desire to make Canada the 51st state of the United States. He argued that such a move would eliminate tariffs and enable unrestricted free trade across the border. "The artificial line drawn many years ago is no longer necessary. Look at how beautiful this land is... There are only positives, no negatives. It must happen!" Trump commented. He further contended that it is unsustainable for the United States to continue financially supporting Canada with hundreds of billions of dollars annually unless Canada becomes a U.S. state.

Leaders of major Canadian political parties reacted sharply to Trump’s intervention. Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre stated on platform X, "President Trump, stay out of our elections. Canada's future will be decided solely by Canadians. Canada will always remain proudly sovereign and independent. We will never become the 51st state."

Meanwhile, Liberal Party leader and former Central Bank Governor Mark Carney said that his international financial experience would help counter Trump’s aggression. He pledged to reduce reliance on the United States by boosting internal trade and expanding economic opportunities abroad. Mark Carney warned that under Donald Trump's leadership, the United States seeks to dismantle Canada and bring it under American control.

The election is primarily a contest between the Liberal Party (led by Carney) and the Conservative Party (led by Poilievre). Out of a total of 343 parliamentary seats, a majority requires winning 172 seats. A record 7.3 million people have already exercised their right to vote through early voting.