He made the remarks during a briefing in North Carolina, where he visited areas hit by Hurricane Helene on Friday.
This text is a translation of an article from CTV News.
“I would like Canada to become the 51st state. If that were the case, Canadian citizens would get a very big tax cut – a huge tax cut – because they are taxed very heavily,” he said.
“They would benefit from much better medical coverage. I think the Canadian people would appreciate it,” added the president.
Health care in Canada and the United States
Remember that health care coverage is not the same in Canada and the United States.
In Canada, the health care system is publicly funded. Each province and territory has its own insurance plan, which is funded and administered by different levels of government.
Also read: Trump’s tariffs: here’s what could cost you more
In theory, all Canadian residents have access to hospital and medical services without having to pay out of pocket. However, according to the Canadian Institute for Health Information, 17% of Canadians aged 18 and older reported that they did not have access to a regular health care provider in 2023.
There is no universal healthcare system in the United States. Most people are covered by private insurance through their employer or school, or by the federal Medicare program, which is for people over 65 or those with certain health conditions. Some low-income Americans may qualify for Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average U.S. consumer spent approximately $5,300 on health insurance and medical services in 2023.
No customs duties for Canadian statehood
Mr. Trump has proposed imposing a hefty 25% tariff on Canadian exports starting February 1.
If the United States were to acquire Canada, Mr. Trump would “systematically let companies set up in Canada.” And therefore, “there would be no customs duties,” he added.
-See his speech on prices:
He made the remarks shortly after denouncing trade relations between the United States and Canada, as he has done repeatedly for weeks, and repeating that his country did not need cars, wood construction and food products of Canada. He added that the United States makes “the same products across the border.”
According to the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, some $3.6 billion in goods cross the border every day. According to Statistics Canada, Canada’s total forest exports were valued at $45.6 billion in 2022.
The trade relationship between the United States and Canada is directly linked to 3.7 million jobs between the two countries.
In response to a question about tariffs in general, Mr. Trump responded: “We’re going to be a rich, very rich country very soon… The word ‘tariff’ is one of the most beautiful words in the dictionary.” .
Fan the flames
Trump’s comments on tariffs have ignited the Canadian political class.
This is what allegedly motivated the calling of early elections by Ontario Premier Doug Ford, who confirmed, during a press conference held Friday morning, that Ontarians would go to the polls on February 27 . Mr. Ford, who is not only the leader of Canada’s most populous province, leads the premiers’ united front against tariffs as president of the Council of the Federation.
The next Liberal leader – who will also be prime minister until the next election – will absolutely have to present himself as someone capable of standing up to Trump. The reaction of Canadian political leaders to Trump’s threats has been, unsurprisingly, cold.
Ottawa is ready to launch a barrage of counter-tariffs on key industries in Republican states, among other measures.
A senior source told CTV News last week that the retaliation would take place in three phases. The first phase would require no consultation and would immediately impose tariffs on a list of items including Florida orange juice and Kentucky bourbon. The Prime Minister would also explicitly tell Canadians not to buy these products.
