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‘Zero tariffs or taxes’: Trump’s offer if Canada becomes 51st US state. Mark Carney responds

With the election underway, both Carney and Poilievre are emphasising Canada's sovereignty and independence, as the race heats up against the backdrop of US interference.

President Donald Trump arrives on Marine One at the White House. (AP)

As Canadians head to the polls, the election has been overshadowed by comments from US President Donald Trump and fierce reactions from Canadian leaders.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump wished “good luck” to the people of Canada ahead of the election but controversially suggested the country should become the 51st state of the United States. He argued that joining the U.S. would lead to tax cuts, increased military power, and a significant boost to Canada’s economy. “Have your car, steel, aluminum, lumber, energy, and all other businesses, quadruple in size, with zero tariffs or taxes, if Canada becomes the cherished 51st state of the US,” Trump wrote. “No more artificially drawn line from many years ago. It was meant to be!”

Trump’s suggestion was met with strong resistance from Canadian leaders. Liberal leader Mark Carney, in a X video post, called for unity and strength in the face of potential US economic pressure. “I know people are anxious right now. The crisis in the United States doesn’t stop at their borders,” Carney stated. “They can become divided and weak. But this is Canada and we decide what happens here. Let’s choose to be united and strong – Canada strong.”

This is Canada — and we decide what happens here. pic.twitter.com/1baJGn7pwv

— Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) April 28, 2025

On the other hand, Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre responded with defiance, rejecting Trump’s influence over Canada’s future. In a post on X, Poilievre firmly declared, “President Trump, stay out of our election. The only people who will decide the future of Canada are Canadians at the ballot box. Canada will always be proud, sovereign, and independent and we will NEVER be the 51st state.”

President Trump, stay out of our election. The only people who will decide the future of Canada are Canadians at the ballot box.

Canada will always be proud, sovereign and independent and we will NEVER be the 51st state.

Today Canadians can vote for change so we can strengthen…

— Pierre Poilievre (@PierrePoilievre) April 28, 2025

With the election underway, both Carney and Poilievre are emphasising Canada’s sovereignty and independence, as the race heats up against the backdrop of US interference.

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