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At the conclusion of the G7 meeting held in La Malbaie, Quebec, Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly delivered a clear statement to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, emphasizing Canada’s unwavering stance on its sovereignty.
“What I conveyed to the secretary is that the sovereignty of Canada is non-negotiable, period,” Joly expressed during the final press briefing of the foreign ministers’ summit.
She reiterated, “There should be no debates or discussions regarding this matter. Your presence here signifies respect for us and our sovereignty. You are in our country, engaging with our people, and that necessitates respect. Period.”
Following the summit, Rubio addressed reporters, referencing a perspective from U.S. President Donald Trump suggesting that Canada might benefit from joining the U.S. “for economic reasons.” He noted, “There exists a divergence between the president’s views and those of the Canadian government. That wasn’t a surprise entering this summit, and we didn’t delve into it as that wasn’t the focus of our discussions.”
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Mélanie Joly emphasized the need for respect towards Canada and its autonomy during her final remarks at the G7 meeting in Quebec.
Prime Minister Mark Carney added his thoughts during a press conference, referring to Rubio’s assertions as “outrageous.” He remarked, “There will never be any circumstance in which we become part of the United States. We are fundamentally a distinct nation.”
Carney announced plans to visit France and the U.K. next week but stated he currently does not intend to travel to the U.S., though he looks forward to future dialogues with Trump.
Sovereignty: A Serious Matter, Joly Tells G7
Joly’s comments followed Trump’s recent statements reiterating a desire for Canada to unite with the U.S., asserting that America does not require Canadian resources. “Canada functions exclusively as a state,” Trump remarked in a press briefing, suggesting that Canada could be one of the great states of America, citing the “artificial line” between the two nations as nonsensical.
Despite the ongoing disputes concerning sovereignty, Joly stated that the G7 ministers had agreed not to let unresolved issues hinder collaboration in other critical areas.
Rubio echoed this sentiment, noting that international relations often involve disagreements even among allies, suggesting that differing stances on certain matters do not prevent effective collaboration across various fronts.
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Rubio outlines Trump’s perspective regarding Canada as the ’51st state’ during the G7.
During the G7 meeting in Quebec, Joly addressed her counterparts, clarifying that Trump’s remarks should not be taken lightly. She stated, “I told them that this is not just a joke. Canadians are proud, and it is crucial to acknowledge that they reside in a sovereign nation that deserves respect.”
Joly emphasized Canada’s identity, noting the nation’s creation was partly driven by a desire to remain distinct from the U.S., while also aiming for closer ties with one another.
Prospects for Canadian Trade
Looking ahead, Joly underscored the necessity for provinces to eliminate internal trade barriers to enhance interprovincial commerce in light of tariffs imposed on Canada.
She highlighted, “There are numerous opportunities for collaboration among provinces to strengthen economic ties.” Furthermore, Joly indicated that Canada aims to diversify its trade relationships beyond the U.S., seeking stronger connections with nations in Europe and the U.K. “We are committed to fostering new partnerships globally,” she stated.
Regarding the situation in Ukraine, Joly declared the G7’s united support for a U.S.-supported ceasefire proposal, which has received backing from Kyiv and is awaiting Russia’s response. She remarked on the international community’s diligent observation of Moscow’s actions, proclaiming, “Now, the responsibility to respond lies with Russia concerning Ukraine.”
Later, Trump claimed there is potential for a resolution to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine following positive discussions with President Putin. He expressed hope that the ongoing war could see a conclusion soon. Trump also noted he had urged Putin to protect the lives of Ukrainian troops encircled in Kursk, Russia.
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www.cbc.ca