Donald Trump is at it again, telling reporters on Friday he "would love to see Canada be the 51st state."
The newly inaugurated U.S. president assured Canadians they would reap the benefits — including "a tremendous tax cut" and "much better health coverage." (Trump also repeated his belief that Canada has been "very nasty" to the U.S. on trade, costing his country $200-billion a year.)
Does he really believe Canada could become an American state? Or this just another example of Trump being Trump?
We asked former Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne that question during a recent interview on our Inside the Village podcast.
“There is an element of delusion here that runs pretty deep," Wynne said. "But the dangerous strategic part is that if he talks enough about the 51st state — and if he could get us to take the bait and worry about it and be anxious about it — that means that we take our eyes off the ball in terms of tariffs and in terms of the trade relationship."
Wynne said it's important for Canada to push back on the real threat — Trump's looming 25 per cent tariff on all goods exported to the U.S. — while also countering the suggestion that we would become part of America.
“We have to walk and chew gum at the same time," she said. "We have to be able to counter these ridiculous assertions about the 51st state because it is ridiculous to think that such a thing could happen.”
You can watch our full interview with Wynne HERE.
​Hosted by Scott Sexsmith and Michael Friscolanti, the Editor-in-Chief of Village Media, Inside the Village is a news and current affairs podcast that provides a weekly window into some of the best local journalism from across our chain of Ontario newsrooms. Produced by Derek Turner, the program also explores bigger-picture issues that impact people across the province.
Every episode can be found HERE. If you prefer the audio version, it is available wherever you find your favourite podcasts.
Have something to say? You can reach us at [email protected].
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