Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has sent firefighting resources to California as the state battles devastating wildfires. This comes despite the ongoing verbal duel between US President-elect Donald Trump and the outgoing Canadian Prime Minister.
Trump has repeatedly floated the idea of making Canada the “51st US state”, while Trudeau has rejected any such possibility.
On Thursday, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Canadian PM shared a video showing a Canadian waterbomber battling wildfire-ravaged Los Angeles County. He captioned the post, “Neighbors helping neighbors.” Interestingly, he used the British and American spellings for “neighbor”, perhaps underscoring the difference between the two countries.
Neighbors helping neighbors. ,pic.twitter.com/qRuEsu31T0
– Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) 9 January 2025
“Canada is mobilizing to help fight wildfires in Southern California. Canadian water bombers are already in action. 250 firefighters ready to deploy,” Trudeau wrote in a follow-up post, adding, “To our American neighbours: Canada is here to help.”
Canada is mobilizing to help fight wildfires in Southern California. Canadian water bombers are already in action. 250 firefighters are ready to deploy. @CanadianForces Stand by to move personnel and equipment.
To our American neighbours: Canada is here to help.
– Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) 9 January 2025
what did trump say
In recent weeks, Trump has repeatedly provoked Canada with his proposal to merge with the US as the 51st state. He has also hinted at applying financial pressure to bring Canada under American control. Following Trudeau’s resignation a few days ago, Trump intensified his call for United States–Canada merger.
“A lot of people in Canada would love to be the 51st state. The United States can no longer afford the massive trade deficits and subsidies that Canada needs to stay afloat. Justin Trudeau knew this and resigned. If Canada were annexed to the United States, there would be no tariffs, taxes would be greatly reduced, and they would be completely safe from the danger of Russian and Chinese ships constantly hovering around them. Together, what a great nation we will be,” Trump posted on Truth Social.
In a sharp response, Trudeau said there was “a snowball’s chance in hell” that Canada would become part of the United States. “Workers and communities in both our countries benefit from being each other’s largest trading and security partner,” he said.
California wildfire
The wildfire situation in Los Angeles remains critical. At least seven people have died and more than 10,000 structures have been destroyed, according to a CNN report. Fires fueled by fierce Santa Ana winds are spreading across the region, forcing thousands of residents to evacuate their homes.
The most destructive fires, the Palisades Fire, have devastated coastal areas, while the Eaton Fire has engulfed communities near the Angeles National Forest, CNN reports. Although firefighters made some progress as winds weakened on January 9, officials said winds were expected to become stronger again.
