Source: Global Times
[Global Times Report] According to reports from Associated Press and ABC News, Canadian former Prime Minister Stephen Harper said on February 3 local time, during an event with current Prime Minister Trudeau, that Canada should spare no effort to safeguard its national independence in the face of threats from US President Trump.
Harper delivered a speech at the event on February 3 local time. Photo source: foreign media
The Associated Press reported that Harper made these remarks during his official portrait unveiling ceremony. He described the current situation as a "critical moment" and thanked Trudeau for attending the event during what he called an unprecedented challenge in our lifetime.
The report stated that although Harper did not directly name Trump, he called on Canada's two major parties - the Liberal Party and the Conservative Party - to unite when the country's sovereignty was under threat.
"We must make every necessary sacrifice to protect the independence and unity of this land," Harper said. He added that regardless of any differences between the parties, they should unite in times of crisis to confront external forces threatening our independence.
The report mentioned that Harper also warned about "domestic policies that threaten our unity." This spring, the separatist movement in Alberta, Canada's energy-rich province, may gain enough support to trigger an independence referendum to leave Canada.
The Associated Press reported that Trudeau expressed gratitude to Harper for condemning those who threatened Canada's sovereignty during a time of unprecedented attacks and trade pressures facing Canada.
"He called on us to build a stronger Canada and reduce reliance on the United States," Trudeau said. "He also took the time to give me advice, and I am deeply grateful for that."
After President Trump returned to the White House, he repeatedly publicly stated that he would annex Canada and referred to it as the "51st state" of the United States. Recently, there have been reports that the United States is trying to push Alberta, Canada's energy-rich province, to secede from Canada. On January 29 local time, Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau, when asked about the issue, said he hopes Trump respects Canada's sovereignty.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/7602893316824285723/
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