 "Canadian MP Jagmeet Singh called US President-elect Donald Turmp a 'bully'. X/AP")
Amid the looming tariff war between Canada and the United States, India-origin Canadian politician and the leader of Canada’s New Democratic Party (NDP) Jagmeet Singh called US President-elect Donald Trump a bully accusing him of acting like an internet troll. While reacting to Trump’s ambition to impose high tariffs on Canadian goods and make the northern neighbour the 51st state of the United States, Singh emphasised that Trump is “acting like a troll”.
He also issued a challenge for the upcoming Canadian premiere to deal with Trump’s threat boldly. “I’m issuing a challenge today for anyone running to be Prime Minister. I’ve committed that Canada would respond to Trump’s threats with retaliatory tariffs. That’s how you respond to a bully — with strength. You fight fire with fire to protect Canadian workers and their jobs," he said in a video.
In an earlier post, Singh rejected Trump’s claims that many in Canada want to be part of the United States. “Cut the crap, Donald. No Canadian wants to join you. We are proud Canadians. Proud of the way we take care of each other and defend our nation. Your attacks will hurt jobs on both sides of the border. You come for Canadians’ jobs, Americans will pay a price,” he said.
An area where Trudeau and Singh align
Singh’s friend-turned-foe Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that there isn’t “a snowball’s chance in hell” that Canada would join the United States.
“You get rid of that artificially drawn line, and you take a look at what that looks like, and it would also be much better for national security,” Trump said at a press conference at his Florida Mar-a Lago home on Tuesday. “Canada and the United States, that would really be something,” he added.
Trudeau responded to the remarks on X, formerly known as Twitter and said “Workers and communities in both our countries benefit from being each other’s biggest trading and security partner.” The remarks from Trudeau came a day after he announced his resignation from the office.
However, he will still remain the prime minister until the governing Liberals elect a new leader, expected sometime by late March. It is important to note that the Canadian parliament has been prorogued - or suspended - until 24 March to allow time for the leadership race.