Chrystia Freeland, former deputy prime minister and foreign minister, has urged Canada to seek nuclear protection from European allies in response to what she describes as a growing threat from the United States under Donald Trump. Speaking during a Liberal Party leadership debate on Wednesday, Freeland argued that Trump's recent remarks questioning Canada’s statehood pose a direct challenge to national security, reports RT.
“What is different about this unleashed and empowered President Trump is that he is clearly threatening our sovereignty, and we need to respond,” Freeland said. “The U.S. is turning predator, and so Canada must work closely with our democratic and military allies.”
Freeland, a staunch supporter of Ukraine and former Financial Times Moscow correspondent, suggested forming stronger security ties with Nordic and European NATO partners, including France and the UK—both nuclear powers. She specifically referenced Denmark, which Trump previously sought to pressure over Greenland.
“I would ensure that France and Britain were involved, and I would work urgently with those partners to build a security framework that guarantees Canada’s protection at a time when the U.S. itself may be a threat,” she stated.
Freeland’s comments come amid rising anti-U.S. sentiment across Canada, exacerbated by Trump's rhetoric and figures like government efficiency czar Elon Musk. In Toronto, some cafés have even rebranded the Americano as the ‘Canadiano’ in protest.
With Canada heading into an election year, Freeland is among four candidates vying to replace Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as Liberal leader. Her resignation from Trudeau’s cabinet last December is widely believed to have contributed to his decision to step down. A vocal foreign policy hawk, she has criticized Trudeau for not taking Trump’s threats seriously, particularly regarding potential trade tariffs.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
