Liberal Leader Mark Carney admitted Thursday that US President Donald Trump discussed making Canada the “51st state” during their March 28 telephone conversation, contradicting his earlier characterization of the call.
Carney, who previously described the conversation as “respectful regarding Canada’s sovereignty,” confirmed a Radio-Canada report revealing Trump’s annexation comments. The Liberal leader maintained he told Trump that annexation would “never happen.”
The revelation comes amid heightened tensions in the final days of Canada’s federal election campaign. At a campaign stop in British Columbia, Carney defended his handling of the call while expressing concern about US intentions.
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“That’s what’s at stake,” Carney said. “The desire of the Americans and the president to own us — those aren’t just words.”
Political opponents criticized Carney’s initial portrayal of the conversation. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre called for transparency about the call and rejected any possibility of Canada joining the US. NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh questioned Carney’s credibility in future negotiations with Trump.
Since the March conversation, Trump had refrained from publicly discussing annexation until this week, when he repeated his desire for Canada to join the US during comments at the White House. Trump also suggested 25% tariffs on Canadian automobiles could be lifted if Canadian automakers relocated to the US.
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