Canada’s new prime minister Mark Carney has said suggestions by the Donald Trump administration that his country could become a part of the United States are “crazy”.
In a press conference in Ottawa, shortly after his swearing-in on Friday, Carney told reporters that the US and Canada are “fundamentally different” countries and that his country “expects respect from America and Trump”.
“We will never in any way, shape or form be a part of the US. America is not Canada,” Carney said.
Trump has repeatedly suggested that Canada will become the 51st state of the US, claiming its people would be “better off”.
“We lose $200 billion a year with Canada. And I’m not going to let that happen,” Trump told Fox News in February. “Why are we paying $200 billion a year, essentially a subsidy to Canada?”
More recently, US Secretary of State Mark Rubio made similar remarks, saying “economically speaking Canada would be better as the 51st state of the United States”.
Asked about Rubio’s remarks, Carney said: “It’s crazy. That’s all you can say.”
“When we get to the economics – the president is a successful business person and dealmaker. We’re his largest client in so many industries.
“Clients expect respect and to be working together in a proper commercial way. The nature of Canada means we won’t, the economics means we shouldn’t.
“And what we will see from this government is focusing on building here at home and building with different partners abroad. We are masters in our own home, we’re in charge.”
Carney, who previously served as the Governor of the Bank of England, said he had no immediate plans to meet President Trump but that he “looked forward” to doing so at the “appropriate time”. AP
