President Donald Trump’s recent comment about Canada potentially becoming the 51st state of the United States has sparked a variety of reactions in British Columbia.
During a rally in Georgia on Monday, Trump made a seemingly joking remark about Canada joining the U.S. as a new state. “By the way, that’s another thing. Canada, they like to talk. They’ll be just fine. They’ll be just fine. It’s going to be just like, ‘Hey, Dad, I’m going to work and I’ll be back in a little while,'” he said.
The comment has been met with mixed responses in B.C., with some finding it humorous while others expressing concern.
Political science professor at the University of British Columbia, Max Cameron, believes that Trump’s comment was meant to be a joke and should not be taken seriously. “I think it’s just Trump being Trump. He’s always been a bit of a joker and I think he’s just trying to get a rise out of people,” he said.
However, others have expressed concern about the implications of Canada becoming a state of the U.S. “I think it’s a bit of a scary thought. I don’t think we want to be part of the U.S.,” said B.C. resident, Sarah Smith.
Some have also pointed out the historical context of Trump’s comment, as Canada was once a British colony and has a long-standing relationship with the U.S. as a sovereign nation.
In response to Trump’s comment, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated that Canada is a strong and independent country and has no interest in becoming a state of the U.S. “We have a great relationship with the United States, but we are two separate countries with our own identities and our own interests,” he said.
This is not the first time Trump has made a comment about Canada potentially joining the U.S. In 2018, he reportedly asked Trudeau, “Didn’t you guys burn down the White House?” referring to the War of 1812. However, this comment was also met with mixed reactions, with some finding it humorous and others expressing concern.
Overall, Trump’s comment about Canada becoming the 51st state has sparked a range of reactions in B.C., with some finding it amusing and others expressing concern about the implications. However, it is clear that Canada remains a strong and independent nation, with no interest in becoming a state of the U.S.
