Joly says Canada-U.K. friendship is ‘in our DNA’ after British PM’s White House comments

Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly recently addressed concerns about the relationship between Canada and the United Kingdom following comments made by the British prime minister during a visit to the White House. Joly emphasized that she does not believe the bond between Canada and the U.K. has been altered, stating that “no country on Earth will be able to divide Canada and the U.K.”

During a news conference in Vancouver, Joly reaffirmed the strong historical ties between Canada and the United Kingdom, highlighting the ongoing communication between Canadian officials and their British counterparts. Despite the unpredictable behavior coming from the White House, Joly stressed the importance of collaboration with allies like the U.K. to address these challenges.

In light of U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats to Canada’s sovereignty, Canada has been actively seeking to strengthen its relationships with longstanding allies such as the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. Trump’s references to Canada becoming the “51st state” and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as a “governor” have raised concerns about the future of Canadian-American relations.

The British Prime Minister Keir Starmer recently visited the White House and expressed confidence in the positive rapport between the United States and the United Kingdom. When asked about Trump’s statements regarding annexing Canada, Starmer sidestepped the question, emphasizing the strong bond between the two nations. He even extended an invitation from the King to Trump to visit Balmoral, a royal estate in Scotland.

However, Roland Paris, a former foreign policy adviser to Trudeau, criticized Starmer’s response, describing it as unfortunate and suggesting that Starmer missed an opportunity to affirm Canada’s sovereignty. Paris noted that in the current climate of uncertainty created by Trump, countries are focused on securing their own interests rather than considering the concerns of other nations.

Joly also shared insights from her discussions with European counterparts about potential threats from Trump, warning them about the need to be vigilant. She highlighted Canada’s role as a “canary in a coal mine” in signaling potential challenges arising from Trump’s policies, particularly regarding trade relations with the European Union.

Overall, Joly’s comments underscore the importance of maintaining strong relationships with allies like the United Kingdom in the face of evolving geopolitical dynamics. As Canada navigates a shifting international landscape, collaboration with key partners will be crucial in safeguarding its interests and promoting stability in the global arena.