Former Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper takes issue with President-elect Donald Trump’s jibe about Canada becoming the 51ststreet Very funny US state.
Harper took to social media on Wednesday to repost the text of a Conservative Party of Canada video that was posted 13 years ago.
He didn’t actually mention Trump by name or reference his recent comments suggesting that the United States could use “economic force” to convince Canada to become an American state, but the intent was pretty clear.
“It was true when I said it (13 years ago),” Harper posted. “It’s true today.”
“Canada is, and has always been, our country,” he said, in a voice-over in the ad, which contains a montage of Canadian images.
“And we want Canada to be a True North, as strong and free as possible in all the important ways: the best country in the world. That’s why we are here, that’s why we strive, that’s why we serve.
“Canada must reflect the true character of the Canadian people: honorable in our dealings, faithful to our commitments, loyal to our friends. By turns, a brave warrior and a compassionate neighbor. Our purpose is for Canada to be great, it must be great for all Canadians, it must be a country of hope and an example for the world.
“And only when these things are,” he said, “when Canada is all it can be, only then can we say our workforce is finished.”
Canadians retreat
Harper was not the only prominent conservative Canadian to comment on the president-elect’s latest musings.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford described it as “ridiculous” and a “waste of time,” suggesting the two countries come together to confront the economic threat posed by China.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith issued a statement Wednesday regarding the virtual Federation Council meeting she held with other Canadian premiers.
“As premiers, we are united and firm in our opposition to tariffs, and we recognize that they would affect each province differently,” Smith said. “Each Prime Minister has met and will continue to meet with our American counterparts, including governors, members of Congress and senators, to advance Canada’s interests.
“The United States is our largest trading partner and our greatest ally. Both Albertans and Americans depend on this mutually beneficial trade relationship, and it needs to be maintained and supported.
“The Alberta government believes the path to strengthening this relationship is to double our oil production and increase crude oil exports to the US, allowing them to export even more light oil to the rest of the world.
“Earlier this week we took a first step toward achieving this goal,” he added, “when we partnered with Enbridge to expand their pipeline capacity.
I also shared with my colleagues that I will attend the presidential inauguration and associated events and meetings in Washington, DC and that I intend to advocate for Canada’s interests and against these tariffs, in favor of a strong economic partnership between Canada and the United States. Joined.
“It has never been more important to demonstrate stability and next week we will meet with the Prime Minister to express the urgency of coordinating a strong and united response to these threats.”
With files from CTV’s Teri Fikowski
