One of the big reasons Canada will not join America, Trudeau said, is simple: Canadians do not want to.

When trying to define their national identity, Trudeau said Canadians are likely to say “we’re not Americans”, amongst other things.

Earlier this week, Trudeau put it more bluntly, saying there was not “a snowball’s chance in hell” that the two countries would become one.

Trudeau said that what he is concerned about is the impact of tariffs on Canadians and Americans. Tensions between Trump and Canada have been simmering since the president-elect announced his plan to implement 25% tariffs on goods coming from Canada.

The move would have a significant impact on Canada’s economy, and could lead to retaliatory tariffs.

“Canadians are incredibly proud of being Canadian, but people are now talking about that rather than the impact that 25 percent tariffs,” Trudeau said. “No American wants to pay 25 percent more for electricity or oil and gas coming in from Canada.”

Meanwhile, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith posted on social media that she had met with Trump at his Mar-a-Lago residence over the weekend to discuss the important of US-Canada energy partnerships. Alberta is a major oil and gas exporter.