Former Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chrétien has raised concerns about the threat posed by U.S. President Donald Trump to democracy, citing Trump’s disregard for the rule of law as a potential source of trouble. Chrétien emphasized the importance of the rule of law in Western society during an interview with CBC’s The House, warning that the absence of this fundamental principle could lead to daily instances of coercion and dysfunction.
While acknowledging that Trump’s presidency is not permanent, Chrétien expressed uncertainty about the eventual outcome once Trump leaves office. When asked whether global leaders should speak out against Trump’s actions, Chrétien stressed the need for Canada to uphold its values amid challenges related to economic interests.
Reflecting on Canada’s ability to overcome past adversities, including terrorism and violence in Europe, Chrétien expressed confidence in the country’s resilience. He reiterated that despite facing serious threats, Canada has managed to navigate through challenges before and is capable of doing so again.
Chrétien has previously criticized Trump for his disrespectful remarks towards Canadian leaders, such as when Trump referred to former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as “governor” and suggested the annexation of Canada as the 51st state. During a speech at the 2025 Liberal leadership convention, Chrétien reaffirmed Canada’s independence from the United States and urged Trump to cease his disruptive behavior.
Despite some provincial disagreements over responding to Trump’s trade policies, Chrétien highlighted the unifying effect of Trump’s actions on the country. He noted tensions between provinces, such as British Columbia’s concerns over lumber tariffs, emphasizing the need for federal attention to address regional issues.
Moreover, a potential trade conflict looms between Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Ontario following China’s proposal to lift canola tariffs in exchange for dropping Canadian duties on Chinese electric vehicles. Ontario Premier Doug Ford emphasized the need to safeguard his province’s interests, signaling a complex interplay of economic priorities among Canadian provinces.
David Paterson, Ontario’s representative in Washington, emphasized the alignment among provincial leaders in protecting Canadian interests, particularly in key sectors like energy and automotive. Stressing the importance of securing beneficial trade agreements with the United States, Paterson highlighted the significance of Canada’s contributions to the American economy.
The ongoing discussions and tensions surrounding trade policies underscore the intricate dynamics at play in managing Canada’s economic relations, both domestically and internationally.
