Canadian Green Party leader Elizabeth May has suggested a bold and unconventional idea: inviting California, Oregon, and Washington to join Canada as provinces. Her comments were made in response to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s ongoing suggestion that Canada should become the 51st U.S. state.
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May’s Proposal: Universal Healthcare and Stricter Gun Laws
Speaking at a press conference in Ottawa, May addressed Trump’s remarks with a semi-joking tone, saying, “Hey, Donald, have we got a deal for you? You think we want to be the 51st state? How about California, Oregon, and Washington becoming the 11th, 12th, and 13th provinces of Canada?”
She emphasized the benefits these states would gain by joining Canada, including:
- Universal Free Healthcare: “No more 1-year-olds suddenly falling off Medicaid and their parents resorting to GoFundMe to access a doctor,” she said.
- Stricter Gun Laws: May highlighted Canada’s existing strict gun control measures, contrasting them with the lack of significant gun reforms in the U.S. due to lobbying influences.
Trump’s Vision: Canada as the 51st State
President-elect Trump has repeatedly floated the idea of annexing Canada since his reelection in November. In a recent post on Truth Social, he claimed many Canadians “love being the 51st State” and suggested that annexation would:
- Eliminate tariffs.
- Strengthen U.S. security.
Trump also speculated that Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau resigned due to Canada’s financial struggles, implying the country could not “stay afloat” without U.S. subsidies.
Reactions from Canadian Leaders
May’s comments and Trump’s rhetoric have sparked responses from several Canadian leaders:
- Mélanie Joly, Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs, wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “President-elect Trump’s comments show a complete lack of understanding of what makes Canada a strong country. Our economy is strong. Our people are strong. We will never back down in the face of threats.”
- Doug Ford, Ontario Premier, told reporters: “To the president, I’ll make him a counteroffer. How about if we buy Alaska and throw in Minnesota and Minneapolis at the same time? [Trump] may be joking, but under my watch, that will never ever happen.”
The Bigger Picture
Trump’s remarks about annexing Canada are part of a broader trend of provocative statements. He has also suggested annexing Greenland and the Panama Canal and renaming the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America. These comments, while possibly in jest, have raised concerns about U.S.-Canada relations.
May’s counterproposal highlights key differences between the two countries, particularly on issues such as healthcare and gun control. Her remarks serve as a reminder of Canada’s distinct identity and values.
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What’s Next for U.S.-Canada Relations?
The escalating rhetoric could signal a decline in relations between the two neighboring nations. Trump’s plans to impose tariffs on all foreign goods may also have significant implications for trade between the U.S. and Canada. As the situation develops, leaders from both countries will likely need to navigate these tensions carefully.
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