The Prime Minister and the premiers have scheduled another emergency meeting, their second in about two weeks.

This comes after Trump posted his latest thoughts about Canada, including the provocative idea of making the country the 51st state of the United States.

Whether Trump’s suggestion of Canada becoming the 51st state is serious or not, it has raised concerns about potential economic damage from his tariff threats.

At the same time, the Canada Border Services Agency says it is doing its job and does not see the issues Trump has been complaining about.

Trump’s latest remarks include an online post where he referred to meeting the Prime Minister last week, calling him “Governor Justin Trudeau of the great state of Canada.”

This follows his previous suggestions that the U.S. could annex Canada as the 51st state.

The consensus in Canada is clear: that is not going to happen.

Keith Leslie, a political commentator says, “It wouldn’t work. Let’s be realistic. Trump can throw these things out—it’s an intentional aftermidnight insult to Justin Trudeau and all of Canada, really. I mean, calling him ‘Governor’? How many nicknames does this guy make up for people? He’s softening us up before the tariff negotiations really begin.”

One key obstacle is that Trump’s Republican allies might not want Canadians, who would likely vote for Democrats, joining the electorate.

“Nothing’s impossible—laughs—in this world, but it would be hard even to see Americans and Republicans wanting that, in the sense that Canada would likely become a voting bloc that wouldn’t support Republicans in presidential and congressional elections,” says Peter Graefe, a political science professor.

Premier Doug Ford, meanwhile, isn’t too worried about becoming the 51st state.

“That’s the president’s words. I can tell you, the president, I’m sure, isn’t thinking of Justin Trudeau at midnight. So, if he’s thinking of Justin at midnight, it’s probably a good relationship. I’m focused on making sure we get this trade deal done,” says Ford.

However, Ford is taking Trump’s threat of 25% tariffs seriously, attributing it to jealousy.

“They see the growth here, Mr. Speaker, and we’re their number one competition. You wonder why Presidentelect Trump wants to put tariffs? Because we’re a threat to the U.S., because we’re a manufacturing powerhouse,” says Ford.

While Trump complains about illegal immigrants and fentanyl entering the U.S. from Canada, the Canada Border Services Agency says it has had a successful year.

As of the end of October, the agency reports seizing 392 firearms and 4,083 kilograms of narcotics, intercepting 397 people wanted on warrants, and denying entry to 1,406 individuals for serious criminality.

The CBSA says it hasn’t observed the issues Trump has raised, like illegal immigrants and fentanyl crossing from Canada into the U.S.

However, they are preparing for an influx of asylum seekers if Trump begins mass deportations of illegal immigrants.

Stephanie Robichaud, of the CBSA says, “The Canada Border Services Agency has plans in place, including measures to respond to an increase in potential asylum seekers. We’ve all heard the threats that people are planning to come over if he does take power as president. We have resources in place to maintain operations.”

Prime Minister Trudeau, on the other hand, is likening the fight with Trump to a war.

“We can do this because, when crises happen—when we’re challenged as a country—we step up. We’ve shown it on the battlefields of Europe in two world wars,” says Trudeau.

The premiers and the Prime Minister plan to meet via Zoom tomorrow afternoon.

Premier Ford says the premiers will also hold their own meeting next week, working on a “Team Canada” strategy to handle Trump and prepare for possible retaliation over tariffs.