“The jokes are over”: Canada is outraged by Trump’s “not funny” threats

Marta Gichko12:02, 09.01.25

Canadian politicians see the statements as an attempt to destabilize their country and undermine America’s strategic ally.

US President-elect Donald Trump’s rhetoric towards Canada is worrying Canadian politicians. His comments that Canada could become the 51st US state are no longer a joke, the Associated Press reports.

Canadian politicians see these statements as an attempt to destabilize their country and undermine America’s strategic ally. Canadian Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc said:

“The jokes are over. It’s a way to sow confusion, to upset people, to create chaos, knowing that it will never happen.”

LeBlanc, who oversees Canada-U.S. relations, also expressed concern about Trump’s threats to impose a 25% tariff on all Canadian goods, saying the move was counterproductive for both countries, which have close economic ties.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford said: “We ship 4.3 million barrels of crude oil to the United States. That’s 60% of their energy imports. I don’t know who’s misinforming Trump.”

Foreign Minister Melanie Joly also called for not giving in to provocations: “We must show that we have a strong economy, we are strong, and they are not going to annex us.”

Canada-US Relations

Canada is the largest supplier of oil to the United States, providing about a quarter of the oil Americans consume each day. $3.6 billion worth of Canadian goods and services cross the border into the United States every day.

In addition, Canada is a key supplier of steel, aluminum, uranium and 34 critical minerals that are of strategic importance to U.S. national security.

At the same time, Trump’s comments come amid changes in Canada’s leadership. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced his resignation and the Liberal Party is seeking a new leader, raising concerns about the stability of Canada’s government at a time of heightened tensions with the United States.

Trump has said he will use economic pressure rather than military force to achieve his goals. But his proposals, such as annexing Canada or refusing to import Canadian goods, have drawn widespread condemnation.

Canadian politicians have stressed the importance of protecting their economic and political independence. As MP Judy Sgro noted: