Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on Tuesday night as he proceeded to state why he believes Canada is better than the United States.
In a somewhat smug appearance, Trudeau’s comments took on a belittling tone as he compared the diversity of the Canadian population with the U.S. – emphasizing how Canada celebrates diversity, whereas in the States people are more expected to assimilate.
Trudeau also made remarks about the U.S. paying too much for Canadian lumber due to tariffs before making a jab about Canada’s universal healthcare that also came with a dose of condescension, as he implied how Canada has a better system.
It was Trudeau’s first time appearing on the comedian’s late night talk show, but throughout he brought an underlying sense of superiority as he portrayed Canada to be more progressive in some areas.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on Tuesday night as he proceeded to state why he believes Canada is better than the U.S.
Trudeau said Canada was more than just maple syrup and mountains
Colbert appeared humbled as he introduced Trudeau, eager to find out more about America’s neighbor to the north.
‘We love your Ryans, both Gosling and Reynolds,’ Colbert began, joking about the country’s top acting talent, ‘But I don’t know everything about Canada. Imagine I come from a country that mostly thinks about itself, and I hear really good things about Canada, so here I am,’ Colbert beckoned.
‘Canada is the best country in the world. Like, you see the beautiful mountains, the rivers, the lakes…’, Truedeau began.
‘Everyone focuses on the land, but really, Canada is about the people. It is a range of people from every possible background who come together. It’s a little different from the melting pot of the United States where everyone gets to be American,’ he explained.
‘We try to celebrate differences, people keep their cultures and keep their languages. When the Polish prime minister came to visit, he was super amazed and pleased that so many members of the Polish community speak Polish, even though they’ve been here for generations, whereas in the U.S., everyone becomes American more,’ Trudeau said in a subtle dig.
Trudeau’s comments took on a smug tone as he compared the diversity of the Canadian population with the U.S. emphasizing how Canada celebrates diversity
Colbert appeared humbled as he introduced Trudeau, eager to find out more about America’s neighbor to the north. Pictured, the twinkling lights of Montreal
‘I’ve heard that America is a melting pot, whilst Canada sees itself as a mosaic,’ Colbert said.
‘It’s an amazing country, and I really encourage you to come up and see more than just the maple syrup and mountains, although, those things are good too,’ the Canadian PM said.
Colbert asked Trudeau what he believed Canadians and Americans fight over.
‘You guys are paying too much for your lumber because you have tariffs on them, and that doesn’t make any sense. We keep trying to point that out for you,’ the PM said. ‘We’ll keep working on it.’
Colbert noted how Americans often travel to Canada to obtain cheaper pharmaceutical drugs.
‘We’re happy to help you out, but it would be a lot easier if you guys had universal healthcare,’ Trudeau said to rapturous applause.
Colbert also noted how Canadian coins including pennies and quarters often infiltrate American’s wallets.
‘You have monarchs on your money. The Queen recently passed away, so what happens to the money now? Do you have to get King money?’ he inquired.
‘They will phase in the King money,’ Trudeau explained noting how there was no great urgency.
‘You still have Lincoln on your penny,’ he joked.
‘We try to celebrate differences, people keep their cultures and keep their languages,’ Trudeau said. Pictured, Trudeau shakes hands with a Syrian refugee during Canada Day 2016 celebrations
Colbert noted how Canadian currency often infiltrated American’s wallets
On Wednesday Trudeau easily survived a vote of confidence on after his main political rival failed to muster enough support to end nine years of Liberal Party rule
Back in Canada on Wednesday Trudeau easily survived a vote of confidence on after his main political rival failed to muster enough support to end nine years of Liberal Party rule.
Legislators in the House of Commons voted 211-120 to defeat a motion by the official opposition Conservative party declaring a lack of confidence in Trudeau’s minority Liberal government.
Trudeau, whose popularity has slumped amid unhappiness over rising prices and a housing crisis, became more politically vulnerable this month when the smaller New Democratic Party tore up a 2022 deal to keep him in power until an election scheduled for the end of October 2025.