Trump's presidency created a fresh reality in Europe — but not just in it. Canada besides experiences unpleasant awakening. For a long time, Canadians felt comfortable under Washington's protective umbrella. But they were deluded overnight.
U.S. president Donald Trump repeatedly said Canada should join the US as the 51st state and imposed criminal duties on it, which entered into force this week. He besides consistently calls Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of the second largest country in the world, governor.
After a momentary dismay in Canada, an extraordinary wave of patriotism appeared. The government there, known for its common sense approach, immediately announced the imposition of countervailing duties. Although Canada, whose U.S. is the largest trading partner, has much to lose, Trudeau does not bite his tongue — and announces firm opposition to the US President’s policy.
He late stated that Trump was planning to "destroy the Canadian economy" in order to be able to annex the country. — We Canadians are friendly and kind, but we are not afraid of fighting “He said.
The militant temper of the Canadian Prime Minister gave himself to the remainder of the society — and led to the emergence of an anti-American campaign. In supermarkets on Canadian products, red maple leaves appeared to encourage people to buy local goods. respective provinces besides banned the sale of alcohol from the United States. However, this is not the only effect of Trump's policy.
Bringing Europe closer
The U.S. President's moves led to Canada has set up a gathering with European partners, who are afraid about the withdrawal of Washington from Europe. European NATO members are eagerly seeking a fresh transatlantic strategy, as well as partners who could strengthen the "coal of willing" to support Ukraine. As a NATO associate in the northern flank and a country bordering the Pacific, Canada has a key function to play in this. The imagination of the US withdrawing from Europe highlights the gaps on these fronts of the defence alliance.
At least Ottawa leaves no uncertainty about the seriousness of its intentions. — present the United States began Trade War Against Canada, his closest partner and ally, his closest friend. At the same time, they talk about affirmative cooperation with Russia and calming Vladimir Putin, a lying, murderous dictator," Trudeau said on Tuesday.
Justin Tallis – Pool / AFPpresident of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenski and Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau in London, 2 March 2025.
In fresh weeks, he has been visiting Europe. On the 3rd anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, he announced further assistance for the attacked country. The Canadian government did not even exclude the participation of its troops in European peacekeeping forces to be sent to Ukraine to guarantee compliance with the ceasefire conditions.
During a summit held by British Prime Minister Keira Starmer in London and a private audience with British King Charles III, the authoritative head of the State of Canada, both parties assured common support. In Brussels, Trudeau, in the presence of Ursula von der Leyen, even joked that Canada could join the EU.
Canada is considered an crucial partner in NATO, leading the brigade in Latvia and playing an crucial function in training Ukrainian peculiar forces. As part of the 5 Eyes Alliance, Canada has valuable scouting abilities.
Key function in the Arctic
It besides plays a key function in the Arctic, which accounts for 40% of Canada's territory and 75% of its coastline. The natural resources of the region, specified as oil, gas and minerals under a rapidly melting ice cover and the possible of creating fresh shipping routes there, make The top powers look at him with interest. Russia and the US keep military bases in the Arctic, China is besides active there.
On Tuesday's speech in Congress, Trump repeated claims to the Arctic island, which belongs to Denmark. “The United States needs Greenland for national safety and even global security, and we work with all parties to effort to get it,” he said.
The expanding global activity in the region already last year prompted the Trudeau government to initiate a change of course, which it besides justified to defend transatlantic interests. “It is besides about the safety of our Arctic allies, including our transatlantic allies,” said abroad Minister Melanie Joly.
Canada has recognised the strategical importance of the region for national security, but the needs in the field are enormous. The vast area is patrolled mainly by Canadian Rangers reservists, who frequently deficiency military equipment. In July, the country concluded a tripartite pact with the US and Finland to build fresh icebreaker fleets.
In December Canada announced its intention to strengthen its military and diplomatic presence in the Arctic using fresh patrol ships, destroyers, icebreakers and submarines that can operate under layers of ice as well as aircraft and drones. The aim was, among others, to strengthen cooperation with the US. Trump's threats to Greenland's annexation endanger these plans.
Military deficiencies
If, as announced, the U.S. focuses even more on Indo-Pacific, Canada will besides have an crucial function to play in this region — For example, in cooperation with the countries of the Indo-Pacific 4 (IP4): Japan, South Korea, Australia and fresh Zealand.
— As a mediator, Canada can guarantee that NATO Plus, Japan and Korea proceed to support Ukraine. If NATO neglects them, there is simply a danger that they will leave and focus more on China,” says Jonathan Berkshire Miller, manager of abroad Policy, National safety and Defence at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute in Ottawa.
However, to do so, Canada would gotta strengthen its credibility in defence. In this regard, it is not best — for years it has been under an American defence coat, not even reaching NATO's primary goal of devoting 2% of GDP to defence. The outbreak of war in Ukraine only somewhat increased Canada's defence budget, which presently stands at around 1.4% of GDP.
The Canadian professional army besides has comparatively fewer soldiers — according to the Institute of Peace investigation Sipri is only 77,000. 100. By comparison, Germany has 185,000, 600. Moreover, the Canadian military is underfunded and its equipment is obsolete.
Trump can usage it. In addition, these restrictions exclude the anticipation for Canada to rapidly fill NATO gaps. Above all, however, they endanger Ottawa's ambitious nonsubjective of providing crucial support to Ukraine.
Michelle Mengsu Chang / Contributor / Getty Imagesdescription for products encouraging the acquisition of those produced in Canada, Toronto, 4 March 2025.
— The government would have public support to send soldiers to Ukraine. However, there is no means to do so, according to expert Miller. The largest Canadian military contingent is stationed in Latvia and secures NATO's east flank. “We either quit our mission to Latvia or we reduce it. Otherwise we will not be able to make a crucial contribution to the mission in Ukraine,” he adds.
If Trump's threats have any affirmative aspect, it may be that they have made the Canadians aware of the request to strengthen their defence capabilities, as did Europeans. This weekend, the Liberal organization of outgoing Prime Minister Trudeau will announce its successor as organization leader. fresh elections will then be held. Candidates to the fresh government have long competed with their proposals to strengthen the country's defence capabilities as shortly as possible.
In the polls he leads Conservative organization leader Pierre Poilievre, who promises to increase Canada's military presence in the Arctic as part of Canada First's plan (Canada primarily). However, the customs war that Trump started is even more threatening to accomplish this goal. And in the summertime NATO will most likely rise the goal of defence spending.
Greater work needed
— We are under tremendous economical pressure. And yet we must rapidly increase our defence budget. In this respect, we face challenges akin to Germany, says safety expert Miller.
— In its interests and in the interests of allies, however, Canada should now take greater work and act as geopolitical “glue” linking allies in 3 key strategical regions — Europe, the Pacific and the Arctic “ He adds.
The leadership in the G7 group, which Canada took over in January, offers an chance to do so. However, due to the precarious political situation in the country and the uncertainty in the Trump administration, officials and diplomats are already considering postponeing the June summit for autumn. And if necessary, arrange it in G-6 format. No USA.
