Trudeau warns of US annexation threat at Toronto summit

Trudeau addressed about 200 business and union representatives, emphasizing that the threat is a "real thing." The Prime Minister referred to his conversations with Trump, where the American President allegedly suggested that the simplest way to acquire resources needed by the U.S. economy is to "absorb our country."

The public broadcaster, Radio Canada, reported that Trudeau's comments were made after the official address, when journalists had left the room, but the microphone remained on, allowing the media to hear what was meant to be private.

Canada's Minister of Public Safety, David McGuinty, emphasized that the best way to affirm Canada’s sovereignty is to strengthen the border with the USA. "I can’t interpret what the president is or is not saying about these comments. Canadians don’t accept this notion," said McGuinty.

The Canadian government announced the allocation of 9160 million U.S. dollars for investments in border security.

Trudeau noted that Canada needs both a short-term, “tactical” response to the threat of tariffs from the USA and a long-term strategy to deal with a less cooperative United States.

He emphasized that it’s not just about solving the problem of U.S. tariffs within a few months, but also about how Canada can strengthen itself over the next four years.

The Prime Minister of Canada identified three key topics for discussion: eliminating barriers to internal trade, ensuring favorable trade with the USA, and effectively utilizing trade opportunities with Europe and the Pacific region.

Trudeau highlighted the necessity of creating strategic ties with the USA in important sectors, such as the critical minerals and energy sectors, to make them less susceptible to political turmoil.