Jagmeet Singh, leader of Canada’s New Democratic Party (NDP), has called for President Donald Trump to be disinvited from the upcoming G7 summit in Alberta, citing his controversial statements and actions regarding Canada. Singh’s remarks come after Trump has made multiple suggestions that the U.S. should annex Canada, turning it into the 51st state. These comments, coupled with Trump’s push for tariffs on Canadian imports, have created significant tension between the two neighboring countries.
Singh, during his speech at the Conseil Des Relations Internationales de Montreal, questioned why any nation would invite someone who poses a threat to another country’s sovereignty and economic stability. “Why would we invite someone who has threatened our economic well-being and the well-being of our allies?” Singh asked, referring to Trump’s actions. He further criticized Trump’s rhetoric, which he claims undermines global stability, and called into question why a person with a criminal background would be welcomed at such a high-level event.
Singh suggested that instead of inviting Trump, world leaders should focus on finding ways to stand up against him and his policies. He also expressed concern about Trump’s recent comments on Ukraine, where Trump seemed to place blame for the Russian invasion on Ukraine itself and referred to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as a “dictator.” This stance starkly contrasts with the Biden administration’s firm support for Ukraine, and Singh pointed out the dangerous implications of such rhetoric.
While the NDP leader’s views are clear, not all Canadian voices agree with his position. University of Ottawa professor Thomas Juneau argued that disinviting Trump would be counterproductive and merely a “feel-good” gesture, advocating instead for engagement to address the challenges Trump presents on the global stage. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has emphasized that the idea of Canada becoming the 51st state is non-negotiable, though he acknowledged the importance of addressing Trump’s ongoing remarks with seriousness.
As tensions between the U.S. and Canada continue to escalate, particularly with new tariffs expected to be implemented next month, it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold. While the notion of Canada becoming a U.S. state remains widely unpopular and implausible, the diplomatic challenges between the two nations are likely to persist for the foreseeable future.