Trudeau states that Trump’s discussion about absorbing Canada is ‘a real thing ,’ according to a source.

On Friday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau remarked that U.S. President Donald Trump’s comments regarding Canada “are a real thing” and relate to the nation’s abundant natural resources, according to a government source. Trudeau delivered his comments in a private meeting with business and labor leaders regarding the most effective way to address Trump’s threats of tariffs on Canadian goods. The Toronto Star was the first to report his remarks, stating that they were inadvertently transmitted via a loudspeaker.

Trump has repeatedly suggested Canada would be better off if it agreed to become the 51st U.S. state.

“They’re very aware of our resources, of what we have and they very much want to be able to benefit from those,” the Star quoted Trudeau as saying. “But Mr. Trump has it in mind that one of the easiest ways of doing that is absorbing our country. And it is a real thing.”

The government source confirmed that the Star’s account of the remarks was accurate.

Canada, aiming to counter U.S. actions, has emphasized that it is a reliable partner and a key provider of oil, minerals, and various natural resources. In comments made to the press, Trudeau had previously indicated that Canada might encounter lasting political difficulties with the United States even if it succeeds in avoiding Trump’s tariff threats.

On Monday, Trump announced a 30-day postponement of tariffs on Canadian exports in exchange for concessions related to crime and border enforcement, particularly targeting fentanyl trafficking.

Trudeau stated that Ottawa’s urgent task was to convince Washington that Canada was exhausting all efforts to tackle the fentanyl crisis. Public information indicates that 0.2% of the total drug supply confiscated in the U.S. originates from the Canadian border. Trudeau informed business and labor leaders at the beginning of the meeting on diversifying trade and enhancing the economy that if tariffs were enacted, Canada would retaliate similarly, but its primary aim would consistently be to eliminate the measures as quickly as possible.

“The strategic reflection we have to have right now is … how we get through, and thrive, and grow stronger over the next four years and into what may be a more challenging long-term political situation with the United States?” he said.

Peter Navarro, a top trade advisor for Trump, claimed this week that Canada had emerged as a major provider of small, duty-free drug shipments, also facing significant visa problems and allowing individuals on the “terrorism watch list” to enter the U.S. Canada exports 75% of all goods and services to the United States, rendering it quite susceptible to U.S. sanctions. Trudeau, reflecting persistent concerns from the business sector, stated that internal trade obstacles among the 10 provinces were hindering the economy.