Canada's PM Mark Carney rebukes Trump's annexation proposal
What's the story
Mark Carney, Canada's newly appointed Prime Minister, has vehemently rejected US President Donald Trump's offer for Canada to join America as its 51st state.
Addressing a press conference in Ottawa, Carney said, "We will never, ever, in any way, shape or form be part of the United States."
His comments came after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's recent claims that Canada would benefit from being an American state.
Sovereignty
Carney emphasizes Canada's unique identity
The former Bank of Canada and Bank of England governor did his part to assert Canada's sovereignty at his press conference.
He said he and his cabinet ministers had been clear on that.
Despite Trump's controversial comments about annexing Canada, Greenland and even the Panama Canal in Panama, "America is not Canada."
He dismissed such "crazy" and "absurd" suggestions.
Diplomacy
Diplomatic relations remain intact
Despite Trump's provocative remarks, Carney emphasized on the necessity of maintaining diplomatic ties with Washington.
"We respect the United States. We respect President Trump," he said while asserting that Canada's economic and political identity remains distinct.
This comes amid reports of Trump being upset over Carney's strong comments against his annexation proposal.
Economic independence
Carney underscores Canada's independent economic strategy
Carney pointed out Canada's independent economic strategy: "The nature of Canada means we won't [join the U.S.]. The economics means we shouldn't."
He reiterated his government's emphasis on creating domestic prosperity and building partnerships abroad.
This comes amid the Trump administration imposing stiff tariffs on Canadian goods, further straining ties between the two nations.