Joly tells Marco Rubio ‘Canada’s sovereignty is not up to debate, period’

Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly concluded the G7 meeting in La Malbaie, Quebec, with a strong message to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio: Canada’s sovereignty is non-negotiable. In a press conference following the meeting, Joly made it clear that there is no room for debate when it comes to respecting Canada’s autonomy.

Addressing recent comments from U.S. President Donald Trump, who suggested that Canada should become part of the United States, Joly firmly stated, “Canada only works as a state. We don’t need anything they have. As a state, it would be one of the great states.” She emphasized that Canada’s borders were drawn deliberately to maintain independence from the U.S. and that such discussions are not to be taken lightly.

Joly expressed that Canadians are proud and anxious about the implications of such statements, and she made it clear to her G7 counterparts that this is a serious matter. She reminded them that Canada was founded on the principle of distinct nationhood and that any insinuation of annexation is unacceptable.

Looking ahead, Joly emphasized the importance of strengthening interprovincial trade within Canada to offset the impact of tariffs imposed by the U.S. She highlighted the need for provinces to eliminate internal trade barriers and foster closer economic ties. Additionally, she underscored the importance of diversifying Canada’s trading partnerships beyond the U.S., particularly with Europe and the U.K.

On the issue of Ukraine, Joly reiterated the G7’s support for a U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal and emphasized the need for Russia to respond positively. She noted that the international community is closely monitoring Russia’s actions and that the onus is now on Moscow to take steps towards peace in the region.

In a separate development, President Trump expressed optimism about the possibility of ending the conflict between Russia and Ukraine following discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump indicated that there is a potential for a ceasefire and urged Putin to spare the lives of Ukrainian troops in Kursk, Russia.

Joly’s firm stance on Canada’s sovereignty and her commitment to expanding trade partnerships demonstrate her dedication to safeguarding the country’s interests on the global stage. As Canada navigates complex geopolitical challenges, Joly’s leadership will be crucial in protecting the nation’s autonomy and promoting economic growth through diversified trade relationships.