14 hours ago
Canadian MP Jagmeet Singh, leader of the New Democratic Party (NDP), has called Donald Trump a “threat to Canada” and proposed halting the export of critical minerals to the United States in response to the US President-elect tariff threats.
Singh’s comments, made at a press briefing Monday, come as tensions between the two nations rise. Trump has repeatedly threatened to impose steep tariffs on Canadian imports and controversially suggested Canada should join the US as its 51st state.
In a potshot at former ally Justin Trudeau, Singh said “trying to wine and dine” Trump is a failed approach, a reference to when the beleaguered Canadian PM met with the newly elected US president in Florida to discuss tariffs and ties over dinner.
Singh warned Trump’s tariff threats were a “clear” danger to Canadian jobs, and could exacerbate the financial strain on citizens already grappling with rising living costs. He stated that Canada must respond forcefully to any aggressive actions from the US.
“Donald Trump is not rational. You can't discuss a plan over a meal with him. He is a bully. And bullies understand only strength and pain,” Singh said.
The NDP leader called for cutting off Canada’s supply of critical minerals—vital resources used in smartphones, laptops, electric vehicles, and other technologies—to pressure Trump to back down.
“We know that the United States needs our critical minerals. They're very important for the United States. So I'm calling on all political leaders to support turning off the taps on those critical minerals,” Singh said.
Canada is among the top global producers of critical minerals such as cobalt, graphite, nickel, and zinc. Singh argued that halting their flow to the US would compel Trump to reconsider his aggressive trade policies.
“There’s no quicker way to get Donald Trump to back away from tariffs than to shut off the tap on critical minerals that the States need very clearly,” Singh said.
Trump, who is set to take office next week, has threatened 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian imports. However, he suggested he might reconsider if Canada improves border security, which he claims is a route for undocumented migrants. He also proposed a merger of the two nations, arguing it would eliminate tariffs and lower taxes.
Singh dismissed the idea outright, declaring, “Our country is not for sale – not now, not ever.”
Published By:
Devika Bhattacharya
Published On:
Jan 14, 2025
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