4 things to know about Pierre Poilievre, Conservative Party leader running to be Canada's next PM
4. He has rejected the idea of Canada becoming the 51st state
After Trump raised the idea of making Canada the 51st U.S. state, Poilievre strongly pushed back during remarks at a Feb. 15 Flag Day rally: “Let me be clear. We will never be the 51st state. We will bear any burden and pay any price to protect the sovereignty and independence of our country.”
Trump first suggested that Canada should join the U.S. as its 51st state in a Dec. 18, 2024, post on Truth Social. “Many Canadians want Canada to become the 51st state,” he wrote. “They would save massively on taxes and military protection. I think it is a great idea. 51st State!!!”
In an interview on CTV shortly after Trump made the suggestion, Poilievre firmly declared, “Canada will never be the 51st state of the U.S.” According to Poilievre, “we have a heroic history, a great, great people and a very proud future ahead of us.”
Trump doubled down on his call for Canada to join the U.S. in a Jan. 6 post on Truth Social, which followed the announcement from Trudeau that he would step down. Reiterating that “Many people in Canada LOVE being the 51st State,” Trump insisted that “The United States can no longer suffer the massive Trade Deficits and Subsidies that Canada needs to stay afloat.”
“Justin Trudeau knew this, and resigned,” Trump maintained. “If Canada merged with the U.S., there would be no Tariffs, taxes would go way down, and they would be TOTALLY SECURE from the threat of Russian and Chinese Ships that are constantly surrounding them. Together, what a great Nation it would be!!!”
Trump’s Jan. 6 post prompted a response from Poilievre on X the following day, which proclaimed “Canada will never be the 51st state. Period. We are a great and independent country.”
Ryan Foley is a reporter for The Christian Post. He can be reached at: ryan.foley@christianpost.com
