Pushback to Donald Trump’s escalating rhetoric continued Wednesday following the president-elect’s threat to use economic force to acquire Canada as the 51st state.
“He’s got a history of the way he negotiates, you know? Saying outrageous things that are never going to happen, but he hopes that they may happen. So, I’m not losing any sleep over it,” said John Warmington.
At the Navan Curling Club, nothing could trump a good game.
“I’m certainly not worried about our sovereignty,” said Mark Raegele. “I’m just worried more about tariffs and what he’s going to do because he’s… a rambling little troll.”
“I don’t think Canadians will ever become Americans really. And if we do become American, I’m moving to Europe!” said Hélène Bélisle.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford reiterated that Canada is not for sale and pitched more collaboration as he outlined the province’s plan to enhance energy exports to the U.S.
“Fortress Am-Can is a vision that respects each country as proudly independent, a vision that celebrates what we can achieve together,” Ford said.
Some Canadian residents are cautious but optimistic and hope Canada fights back about looming 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian goods.
“I’m worried about our economy, no matter what he does,” said Raegele. “If he does put them in, he will very soon find out that the population in the United States is going to be hurt at least as much as us, if not more so.”