Fact Check: Canada vows not to become the 51st US state amid rising nationalism.

Fact Check: "Canada vows not to become the 51st US state amid rising nationalism."

What We Know

The claim that "Canada vows not to become the 51st US state" has been echoed in various contexts, particularly in response to statements made by former President Donald Trump. In January 2025, Trump suggested that Canada should consider becoming the 51st state of the United States, a notion that was met with strong opposition from Canadian leaders and citizens alike. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau explicitly stated, "It's not going to happen," reinforcing Canada's commitment to its sovereignty and national identity (BBC).

Public sentiment in Canada also reflects a strong desire to maintain independence from the United States. An opinion piece in the New York Times highlighted that "most Canadians are quite happy to be living above the USA and would not even consider taking up that offer" (New York Times). Furthermore, a report by Macleans noted that the idea of Canada becoming a state is not only impractical but also undesirable, emphasizing Canada's unique identity and governance structure (Macleans).

Analysis

The assertion that Canada has vowed not to become the 51st state is supported by both political statements and public opinion. Trudeau's remarks serve as an official government stance against any notion of annexation, while the general sentiment among Canadians underscores a collective resistance to such ideas.

The sources cited are credible, with the BBC and New York Times being well-established news organizations known for their journalistic integrity. The opinion piece from Macleans, a Canadian news outlet, also provides valuable insights into the national sentiment regarding this issue.

However, it is essential to note that the idea of Canada becoming a state has been largely rhetorical, often used in political discourse rather than as a serious proposal. The discussions surrounding this topic tend to be more about national pride and identity than any actual legislative or political movement toward statehood.

In contrast, some sources, such as the Associated Press, have reported on Trump's comments without providing a balanced view of the Canadian response, which could lead to misinterpretations of the seriousness of the claim (AP News).

Conclusion

The claim that "Canada vows not to become the 51st US state" is False. While Canadian leaders, particularly Prime Minister Trudeau, have clearly stated that Canada has no intention of becoming a US state, the framing of the claim suggests a more formal vow than what has been articulated. The resistance to such ideas is rooted in a strong sense of national identity among Canadians, but it is not framed as a formal vow or agreement.

Fact Check: Canada vows not to become the 51st US state amid rising nationalism.