Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has dismissed as “absurd” a recent comment from a senior U.S. official suggesting that Canada should become the 51st state.
Responding to reporters after his swearing-in ceremony, Carney provided a straightforward reaction to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s statement about Canada’s sovereignty.
“That’s absurd,” Carney said succinctly. “That’s all.”
Rubio, speaking at the G7 foreign ministers’ meeting in La Malbaie, Quebec, had defended U.S. President Donald Trump’s repeated remarks about Canada potentially joining the United States, claiming that such a move would benefit the country.
Canada and the EU quickly retaliated against Trump’s tariffs on steel and aluminium.
Carney also remarked that while he had no immediate plans to visit the U.S., he anticipated speaking with Trump “at the appropriate time.”
In his first address as prime minister, Carney highlighted his government’s priorities: protecting Canadian workers from U.S. tariff threats and strengthening the economy by increasing disposable income for Canadians.
Although he did not confirm any plans for an early election, Carney hinted at significant announcements to come.
“There will be further news in the coming days,” he remarked.
Carney was sworn in as Canada’s 24th prime minister on Friday and appointed a new cabinet.
