Canada's former prime minister asked Trump to come to his senses "like an old man's old man"

Former Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien, who turned 91 on Jan. 11, addressed U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, 78, "like an old man to an old man" in his signature column for The Globe and Mail, asking him to come to his senses and abandon the idea of annexing Canada to the United States.

"To Donald Trump, as old man to old man: Come to your senses! What could make you think that Canadians would ever give up the best country in the world - which we undoubtedly are - to join the United States?" - Chretien wrote.

The former prime minister pointed out that Trump's statements about wanting to make Canada the 51st state of the United States threaten its sovereignty and are completely unacceptable. Chretien emphasized that the country's residents value their independence and built the state on the principles of understanding, tolerance, protection of the vulnerable and harmony in which people of different religions and backgrounds live.

The ex-head of government pointed out that threats and insults will not be able to make Canadians abandon their beliefs. Proof of this can be seen in the two world wars Canada fought before the U.S., fighting for its freedom.

Chretien also addressed Canada's politicians, calling on them to show toughness and leadership by fighting back against Trump. The former prime minister added that through his statements, the American president-elect has united Canadians stronger than ever.

Chretien served as Canada's prime minister from 1993 to 2003.

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Earlier, on December 3, 2024, Trump said during a meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau that the country could become a new American state if it fails to deal with drug smuggling and illegal migration.

Later, on January 7 of this year, the Republican published on his social network Truth Social a map with Canada annexed to the United States. Trudeau then also rejected Trump's proposal to make the country an American state. Reacting to this, billionaire Ilon Musk, addressing the head of the Canadian government, called him a girl and pointed out that he no longer decides anything.

On January 7, the Prime Minister of the Canadian province of Ontario Doug Ford offered to buy Alaska on the background of Trump's statements. He emphasized that under his watch, Canada would never become part of the United States.

Trudeau said on January 10 that during a personal meeting with Trump he offered to exchange one of the U.S. states for a part of Canada's territory, but the American politician did not find the joke funny at the time.