Ex-PM Stephen Harper: Canada Must Preserve Independence from U.S.

Former Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper said that Canada must make “any sacrifice necessary” to preserve its independence in the face of threats from US President Donald Trump, Rob Gillies reported for the Associated Press (AP).

Although Harper did not mention Trump by name, he urged Canada’s two major parties—the Liberals and Conservatives—to unite in defense of the country’s sovereignty. (Photo: Stephen Harper Facebook)

Harper, who served as Conservative prime minister from 2006 to 2015, made the remarks during the unveiling of his official portrait.

He described the current moment as perilous and thanked Prime Minister Mark Carney for attending the ceremony “at a time when challenges are unprecedented in our lifetimes.”

Trump has floated the idea of making Canada the 51st US state and has threatened the country with tariffs.

Trump’s push to acquire Greenland has also strained the NATO alliance, alarming Canada, which shares a 3,000-kilometer (1,864-mile) maritime border with Greenland in the Arctic.

Although Harper did not mention Trump by name, he urged Canada’s two major parties—the Liberals and Conservatives—to unite in defense of the country’s sovereignty.

“We must make any sacrifice necessary to preserve the independence and unity of this blessed land,” Harper said.