'If Canada becomes the cherished 51st US state...': Trump's big election message to Canadians

Canadians are taking to the polls to cast their votes in an election dominated by United States tariffs and high costs of living. Liberal Party leader Mark Carney, who took over as prime minister from Justin Trudeau last month, says he is the ideal choice to confront US President Donald Trump with his experience as a central banker during periods of economic upheaval.

As Canadians chose their Prime Minister, Trump once again urged Canadians to consider becoming the "cherished" 51st state of the US, as they head to the polls to vote in their federal election.

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'Good luck Canada', says Trump

"Good luck to the Great people of Canada," Trump posted on Truth Social. "Elect the man who has the strength and wisdom to cut your taxes in half, increase your military power, for free, to the highest level in the World, have your Car, Steel, Aluminum, Lumber, Energy, and all other businesses, QUADRUPLE in size, WITH ZERO TARIFFS OR TAXES, if Canada becomes the cherished 51st. State of the United States of America.

"No more artificially drawn line from many years ago. Look how beautiful this land mass would be. Free access with NO BORDER. "ALL POSITIVES WITH NO NEGATIVES. IT WAS MEANT TO BE! America can no longer subsidize Canada with the Hundreds of Billions of Dollars a year that we have been spending in the past. It makes no sense unless Canada is a State!"

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Trump’s comments come as Canada went to polls with the nation's sovereignty, already a key issue during the election campaign. The election itself has been described by party leaders as the most critical in a generation because of the US president's threats.

Canada’s election campaign has been dominated by the deterioration of U.S.-Canada relations, fueled by Donald Trump’s aggressive tariff policies and repeated comments suggesting Canada could become the 51st state.

Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberal Party, which had been trailing Pierre Poilievre’s Conservative Party for much of the past year, has gained significant ground after focusing its campaign on opposing Trump’s treatment of Canada. According to Polymarket, Carney now has over an 80 percent chance of remaining Prime Minister following Monday’s election.

The performance of two smaller parties -- the left-wing New Democratic Party (NDP) and the separatist Bloc Quebecois -- could be decisive as strong showings by both parties in past votes have curbed Liberal seat tallies.

Nearly 29 million of Canada's 41 million people are eligible to vote, in the massive G7 country that spans six time zones. A record 7.3 million people cast advanced ballots.

Canadians will elect 343 members of parliament, meaning 172 seats are needed for a majority. The Liberals won a majority in 2015 but have governed with a minority since 2019.