'Oh, it's concerning': Albertans react to Trump's comments on using 'economic force' to acquire Canada

Donald Trump's latest comments on Canada becoming the 51st state caught many Albertans off guard Tuesday, after the U.S. president-elect said he wouldn't use military power but was considering using economic force to make it happen.

"You get rid of that artificially drawn line and you take a look at what that looks like; it would be much better for national security. We basically protect Canada," Trump said.

Derrick Russle from Calgary said the comments were a bit frightening.

"I think Canada is an independent nation that should stay that way unless the people decide otherwise," he said.

"I don't necessarily think it's a bad idea but being forced to do it sounds like invasion; it sounds like an act of war, even if it's economic."

"Oh, it's concerning. I don't even know what to say to that," said another Calgarian, Evelyn Onushuk.

Jesus Perez said he doesn't take the comments very seriously.

"It's stupid," he said.

"I don't think he's serious.”

Trump also doubled down on his threat of tariffs and suggested the U.S. stop purchasing cars, lumber and dairy from Canada, which are part of long-standing free trade agreements.

"We're spending hundreds of billions a year to take care of Canada. We lose in trade deficits," he said.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith wrote on X that Canada is America's best customer.

"Canada is a strong, independent nation with the 9th largest economy in the world, and our southern neighbour benefits from this economic strength," she said.

Smith said she plans to attend Trump's inauguration in Washington later this month and "will continue to share with Americans the economic story Alberta has to tell."

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau responded to Trump's comment on X as well, writing in part, "There isn't a snowball's chance in hell that Canada would become part of the United States."

However, some Alberta politicians are pointing the finger at the outgoing prime minister for Canada's souring relationship with its largest trading partner.

"The reality is, we're seeing what's taking place in the United States, in my view, because of a leadership vacuum that has been created in Ottawa," said Alberta Seniors, Community and Social Services Minister Jason Nixon.

He reiterated comments made by Smith, calling for a quick election in the wake of Trudeau’s resignation announcement Monday.

"The prime minister's selfish decision not to call an election to make sure that we could have stable leadership in Ottawa, working with premiers from coast to coast to defend the sovereignty of our country, but also to move forward in an economically viable way with our largest trading partner, the United States, is why we find ourselves in this problem."

Trudeau is convening a meeting with the premiers to discuss Canada-U.S. relations next week.