'Snowball's chance in hell': Canadian politicians lambast suggestion Canada could join US

Canadian politicians have decried Donald Trump's suggestion that he could use "economic force" to make the nation America's 51st state.

At a press conference at his Florida country club Mar-a-Lago, Trump said he wanted to take over Canada, Greenland and the Panama Canal.

When asked if he would use military force against Canada, Trump replied: "No, economic force".

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On Monday Trump wrote on social media of his desire to merge with the US's northern neighbour.

"Many people in Canada LOVE being the 51st State. The United States can no longer suffer the massive Trade Deficits and Subsidies that Canada needs to stay afloat.

"Justin Trudeau knew this, and resigned. If Canada merged with the U.S., there would be no Tariffs, taxes would go way down, and they would be TOTALLY SECURE from the threat of the Russian and Chinese Ships that are constantly surrounding them. Together, what a great Nation it would be!!!"

Trudeau, who has announced his resignation but remains the prime minister until his replacement is chosen, has roundly rejected the incoming president's idea.

"There isn't a snowball's chance in hell that Canada would become part of the United States," he said.

"Workers and communities in both our countries benefit from being each other's biggest trading and security partner."

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Canadian foreign minister Mélanie Joly, herself a contender for the prime ministership, also wrote of her opposition to Trump's plan.

"President-elect Trump's comments show a complete lack of understanding of what makes Canada a strong country," she said. 

"Our economy is strong. 

"Our people are strong. 

"We will never back down in the face of threats."

The opposition to Trump's takeover plan appears to be nonpartisan. Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre slammed the idea.

"Canada will never be the 51st state. Period. We are a great and independent country," he said.

And New Democratic Party leader Jameet Singh was less polite.

"Cut the crap, Donald. No Canadian wants to join you," Singh said.

"You come for Canadians' jobs, Americans will pay a price."

Canada is the USA's largest trading partner, buying more American exports than any other country.

But the US has a substantial trade deficit with Canada, largely thanks to the amount of oil Canada exports.

At the same press conference, Trump also announced he was renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America.

He also refused to rule out using military force to retake the Panama Canal or seize Greenland.

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