In a recent discussion, former Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper emphasized that Justin Trudeau’s departure from leadership stemmed from internal political troubles in Canada, not from pressure exerted by former U.S. President Donald Trump.
The National Post reported that Harper argued that it was the opinion of Canadian citizens and Trudeau’s political party that influenced his resignation.
Harper also addressed the tumultuous relationship between Trump and Trudeau, pointing out the tension was due to improper behavior during Trump's administration.
Harper dismissed Trump’s belief that he had a hand in Trudeau stepping down.
Expounding further on his stance, Harper underlined that domestic politics, not external influence, led to Trudeau's political demise.
He noted that the challenges awaiting Trudeau's Liberal successor would be significant, given the dissatisfaction with the current government’s handling of issues. Trump's remarks, which implied he played a role in Trudeau's resignation, were labeled as fallacious by Harper.
Harper also took the time to refute comments made by Trump about Canada's supposed desire to become America's 51st state. Harper found these assertions shocking and pointedly contradicted them, stressing Canada's independent spirit and unique cultural identity.
"We are proud of our Canadian culture and history and prefer to maintain our friendship with the U.S. as two sovereign nations,” he stated.
According to Harper, the new Liberal leader faces an uphill battle in restoring the government's popularity. He mentioned skepticism about the party's ability to rejuvenate its image and increase its electability in the near future. Harper highlighted this as a critical moment for Canadian politics.
He criticized Trump’s assertions about economic subsidies between the U.S. and Canada. Harper emphasized that, contrary to Trump’s claims, Canada is the one subsidizing the U.S. through discounted oil and gas exports.
This led Harper to propose that Canadians might consider diversifying their export markets to edge away from overdependence on American buyers. "Maybe this is the moment for Canada to look at selling its resources elsewhere," he suggested.
Harper also questioned Trump's statements concerning defense subsidies, insisting Canada’s contributions to their own defense were substantial. He raised the possibility of Canadian neutrality in future defense discussions if these misconceptions continued.
Another point Harper addressed was Trump’s concern over illegal border crossings from Canada into the U.S. Harper made it clear that there isn't a significant flow of migrants traveling southward from Canada.
Rather, he pointed out the northward movement of illicit items, such as drugs and firearms, surpasses the southward flow.
Harper further mentioned his belief in a friendly yet independent relationship between Canada and the United States, staying independent yet allied.
Despite identifying as one of the most pro-American leaders in Canadian history, he underscored the importance of treating both nations as equal partners.
His remarks were not only a defense of Canada's autonomy but also a call for recognition of the reciprocal nature of any subsidies or resource exchanges. Harper's standpoint was resolute in maintaining Canada’s distinct national identity and political sovereignty.
