Canada’s ambassador to the U.S., Kirsten Hillman, has stated that while President Donald Trump continues to call for Canada to become the 51st state, his rhetoric is not being supported by other Republicans in Washington. Hillman’s conversations with members of the Trump administration and lawmakers on Capitol Hill primarily focus on building the Canada-U.S. relationship and demonstrating progress on border security to avoid potential tariffs. Despite Trump’s desire to use economic force to make Canada join the U.S., Hillman emphasizes that such talk is not appreciated by Canadians and does not contribute to hemispheric security or a positive partnership.
Hillman acknowledges that Trump’s allies do not contradict the president’s rhetoric, but it is not a central focus of the conversations she is having with U.S. officials. She highlights the need to address Trump’s concerns seriously as they arise, such as the issue of trade imbalances and security spending that he uses to justify his calls for Canada to join the U.S. Former advisor Steve Bannon has suggested that Trump’s interest in Canada becoming a state is tied to pursuing hemispheric control to protect economic corridors from major powers like China and Russia. Hillman stresses the importance of maintaining a strong Canada-U.S. relationship and dispelling any notions of Canada surrendering its sovereignty.
Despite the ongoing discussions surrounding Trump’s desire for Canada to become a state, Hillman states that there is no real appetite within the U.S. government to publicly debate the issue while the president continues to raise it. She describes the efforts of her team as being part of a constant, all-hands-on-deck approach to strengthening relations with the Trump administration, especially with new officials like Howard Lutnick who have been critical of Canadian trade practices. Hillman emphasizes the importance of presenting Canada’s perspective to key U.S. officials and ensuring that they understand the progress being made on border security and other shared priorities.
Canada’s response to Trump’s concerns includes addressing issues related to border security, such as reducing migrant crossings and fentanyl seizures. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has highlighted the decrease in fentanyl seizures during a recent call with Trump, indicating the progress being made in addressing U.S. concerns. The Canadian government has taken steps to address Trump’s threats of imposing tariffs on Canadian goods by appointing a fentanyl czar and investing in intelligence and policing. Hillman emphasizes the need for Canada to take Trump’s concerns seriously and address them one step at a time to avoid potential trade disruptions.
The March 4 deadline for potential tariffs on Canadian goods looms, but efforts are being made to demonstrate progress on border security and other shared priorities to prevent such measures from being implemented. Hillman mentions upcoming meetings in Washington to discuss these issues, including the involvement of the newly appointed fentanyl czar Kevin Brosseau. It is crucial for Canada to engage with the Trump administration on these matters and continue to address concerns as they arise, despite the shifting motivations behind Trump’s actions, such as tariffs on steel and aluminum imports. Hillman underscores the importance of maintaining a constructive dialogue with U.S. officials to navigate through these challenges and strengthen the Canada-U.S. relationship.
