Canadians were staring at a day of considerable political turmoil for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his government following Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland’s sudden resignation on Monday, but also for U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. It seems that he was watching the developments closely.
“Canadians are stunned by the resignation or firing of the Minister of Finance by Governor Justin Trudeau,” President Trump said. True social posts late Monday night.
“Her actions were completely harmful and did nothing to help us get a deal that was beneficial to very unfortunate Canadians,” Trump continued, adding, “She will not be missed!!!” Concluded.
Mr Freeland announced early on Monday that he would resign as finance minister, hours before the autumn economic statement, in a major political blow to the prime minister.
According to her resignation letter, Ms. Freeland and Mr. Trudeau disagreed with President Trump on how to deal with the tariff threat, which appears to have been a central catalyst for the breakdown in their relationship.
In his letter, Mr. Freeland said that given the potential economic impact of U.S. trade actions, Canada should “keep its fiscal fire under control” in preparation for an upcoming “tariff war” and that “we “We cannot afford to pursue expensive political gimmicks that will hurt Canadians.” I doubt we realize the gravity of this moment. ”
“Our nation faces significant challenges today: America’s next administration is pursuing aggressive economic nationalist policies,” she wrote. “Inevitably, our time in government will come to an end, but how we respond to the threats our country faces now will define our country for a generation, and perhaps for much longer. I guess.”
President Trump’s threat to impose a 25% tariff on all Canadian imports unless Canada stems the flow of illegal drugs and immigrants across their shared border comes as the Trudeau government approaches the inauguration of a new Republican government in January. is approaching.
This is the second time in a week that President Trump has referred to the prime minister as “Governor Justin Trudeau,” after Trudeau said Canada would “respond” if the U.S. enforced tariffs.
In response to President Trump’s border concerns and the possibility of easing tariffs, the federal government proposed a $1.3 billion border security package in Monday’s mini-budget, with funds going to the Canada Border Services Agency and the RCMP. It was invested in several institutions and organizations including. However, the full-fledged plans advanced ahead of the fiscal policy announcement have yet to be revealed.
President Trump has expressed his opinions on recent domestic political developments on social media and has once again strengthened his judgment that Canada will become the “51st state” of the United States, but Prime Minister Trudeau has lost his vice president at this time. He only mentioned it briefly. to Liberal supporters late Monday.
“It’s obviously been an eventful day. It hasn’t been an easy day, but I wanted to come here tonight and talk to all of you dedicated, dedicated Liberal members, because I and other politicians… “It’s because your heart is beating,” Trudeau said of the movement.
Tensions between Trump and Freeland date back to NAFTA negotiations
Monday was not the first time Trump publicly criticized Freeland.
In 2018, during the high-stakes renegotiation of NAFTA, Freeland was Canada’s leading candidate for foreign minister, but the then-president publicly said, “We don’t really like the people they represent.” stated.
Nevertheless, Prime Minister Trudeau appointed her to head the reactivated Special Cabinet Committee on Canada-U.S. Relations in early November. At the time, Freeland did not directly answer questions from reporters about the possibility of leading bilateral relations again, given their past relationship.
“In my experience, President Trump respects strength. He respects people and countries who are strong and clear about defending themselves and defending their national interests. That’s what I’ve always done. I will continue to do that,” she said. at that time.
Freeland was not part of the Canadian delegation when Trudeau later visited Mar-a-Lago to meet with President Trump in late November.
Freeland called it the “right choice,” but the meeting was largely about the border, and Freeland said he was focused on compiling an economic update for the fall. There were also some points.
But that ultimately turned out to be an update she would never personally pass on, as she chose to leave the cabinet after being told by Prime Minister Trudeau that he wanted to move her to another portfolio. Border relations.
Prime Minister Trudeau took Dominic LeBlanc to dinner as Minister of Public Safety. Prime Minister Trudeau appointed LeBlanc as finance minister on Monday, retaining responsibility for intergovernmental affairs.
With files from CTV News Spencer Van Dyke
