Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau recently commented that U.S. President Donald Trump wants to incorporate Canada into the United States primarily due to Canada’s natural resources. This was confirmed by a source within the Canadian government.

Trudeau made these comments during a closed-door meeting with Canadian business and labor leaders where they discussed strategies to cope with the potential impact of U.S. tariffs. In the meeting he unintentionally shared his thoughts about Trump’s stance over a loudspeaker which were later published.

Trump has repeatedly stated that if Canada becomes the 51st state of the U.S. it would be beneficial for both nations. Trudeau in his remarks said They are aware of the resources we have and they want to benefit from them.

He further explained Trump’s thinking is that the easiest way to obtain these resources is to merge our country with the United States. This is the core issue. The Canadian government has confirmed that the report published by the Toronto Star is accurate.

In response to the threat of U.S. tariffs Canada is emphasizing its role as a reliable partner especially as a major supplier of energy minerals and other natural resources to the U.S.

Previously Trudeau had mentioned in talks with the media that while Canada might manage to counter the immediate tariff threat, in the long term the country could face political challenges in dealing with the U.S. Trump had said on Monday that he would delay imposing tariffs on Canada for 30 days during which time the situation at the border and Canada’s efforts to combat crime, especially fentanyl trafficking would be monitored.

Trudeau said that Canada must immediately convince Washington that it is doing everything possible to prevent fentanyl trafficking across the border as official data shows that only 0.2% of all drugs seized in the U.S. came from Canada.

If the U.S. imposes tariffs Canada will respond in kind. However Trudeau hopes that the U.S. will refrain from taking such actions. During the meeting with business and labor leaders Trudeau also discussed bringing more diversity into trade and strengthening the economy.