A Canadian politician had a loud message for the world regarding President Donald Trump as she delivered the opening remarks to the G7 Summit, held in Alberta this year.
Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mélanie Joly, warned other countries about America's sudden flip against their neighbors. “If the U.S. can do this to us, their closest friend, then nobody is safe," Joly stated.
As the U.S. launches into a trade war with Canada over 25% tariffs and potential electricity shut offs, Joly continued to relay her concern: "We have done nothing to justify Trump’s attacks on our country, on our economy and our identity. Canada is your best friend, best neighbor, and best ally," Joly continued.
“The only constant in this unjustifiable trade war seems to be President Trump’s talks of annexing our country through economic coercion. He called our border a fictional line and repeated his disrespectful 51st state rhetoric. Well, Canadians have made it very clear that we will not back down, and we will not give in to this coercion," Joly continued.
Last night, Canadian Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc also took a shot a Trump, telling his country, "we will not stand idly by" as he issued a new warning for the U.S. president.
The Trump administration's 25% tariff on steel and aluminum from Canada, the United States' largest foreign supplier of these vital resources, went into effect Wednesday. The corresponding Canadian tariffs will amount to a staggering total of $20.7 billion.
In addition, the European Union has also hit back at the United States for its aggressive trade war tactics, imposing tariffs on industrial and farm products from the United States.
In response, the U.S. Agriculture Secretary warned about a "bumpy" recession in response to the economic 'war.' But Trump is no stranger to tariffs. He also launched a trade war during his first term in office, but has more sweeping plans now.
The U.S. president even threatened at one point to double the tariffs to 50%, but he backed down after Ontario imposed electricity tariffs on the U.S.
In response to the tariffs, some Canadian store owners and shoppers have boycotted the US by refusing to buy USA-made items. There have been reports of shop owners removing USA-made products from their shelves in a small act of defiance against Trump's aggression.
There is also resentment towards the US from Canada due to Trump's imperialistic threats to take over Canada.
President Trump's quip about Canada becoming the 51st state has been met with stern opposition from Canadian officials.
"Let's be very clear, conversations around the 51st state are a non-starter," caretaker Prime Minister Justin Trudeau declared last month, criticizing tariffs as a "very dumb thing to do" and announcing countermeasures.
"It's never going to happen, but we have to take seriously what the president is saying and fold that into our thinking as we continue to stand up for Canada."
Canada's Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly echoed Trudeau's firm stance during an interview with BBC, emphasizing the gravity of Trump's comments.
"This is not a joke anymore," Joly stated. "There's a reason why Canadians, when they go out on a hockey game, are booing the American national anthem... We're insulted. We're mad. We're angry."
