The comments from Trudeau and foreign minister Melanie Joly followed the US president-elect’s statement at a news conference about using “economic force” in pursuit of his unlikely plan for Canada to merge with the US.

“There isn’t a snowball’s chance in hell that Canada would become part of the US,” Trudeau reacted on X, while also highlighting close bilateral security and trade ties.

Joly, meanwhile, accused Trump of showing with his remarks “a complete lack of understanding” of Canada.

“Our economy is strong. Our people are strong. We will never back down in the face of threats,” she said on the social media platform owned by Trump ally Elon Musk.

Trump spoke in a meandering press conference Tuesday, a day after congress certified his election victory.

He also threatened military action to secure the Panama Canal, and Greenland.

He has previously vowed to slap 25% tariffs on Canadian imports when he takes office on Jan 20, which could be devastating for Canada as it sends 75% of its exports to the US.

Asked if he would use military force to bring Canada to heel, the incoming president said “no, economic force.”

Officials in Canada are preparing to retaliate in what risks becoming a trade war.