By Olawale Ayeni, Abuja As the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) enters Match-day two this weekend with mouth-watering encounters after opening games produced a total of 19 goals, 1 away win, 7 home wins, and 2 draws. After going down to FC Ifeanyi Ubah in their league tie, Lobi Stars are poised to make mincemeat […]
Nightingale House Hospice has announced the return of its annual Christmas Tree Collection, giving local residents a simple and environmentally friendly way to recycle their…
<img src="https://www.mtlblog.com/media-library/mark-carney-and-dponald-trump-sit-for-a-meeting-in-the-white-house.jpg?id=60144379&width=1200&height=400&coordinates=0%2C112%2C0%2C112"/><br/><br/><p>During their first official meeting at the White House on Tuesday, <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/mark-carney-canada-election-win-liberal" target="_blank">newly elected Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney</a> and U.S. President <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/tag/donald-trump" target="_blank">Donald Trump</a> kept things mostly cordial. But the tone shifted when an old Trump talking point came up: the idea of <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/francois-legault-trump-canada-comments" target="_blank">Canada becoming America's 51st state</a>.</p><p>The leaders met for about 35 minutes on Monday in Washington, with members of the press present for part of the conversation.</p><p>Trump, who initiated <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/tag/tariffs" target="_blank">heavy tariffs on Canada</a> earlier this year, opened the chat by calling the Liberals' election victory "one of the greatest comebacks in the history of politics."</p><p>"Maybe even greater than mine," he added, jokingly. </p><p> While the exchange was mostly polite, especially compared to Trump's tense February meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, things got more pointed when Trump brought up his long-running, tongue-in-cheek claim that Canada is "for sale."</p><p>Carney, who's been quick to shut that narrative down during his campaign and early days in office, was quick to chime in.</p><p>"As you know from real estate, there are some places that are never for sale," Carney told the former businessman.</p><p>"That's true," Trump responded.</p><p>"Having met with the owners of Canada over the course of the campaign for the last several months, I can say it's not for sale and won't ever be for sale," the Northwest Territories native added.</p><blockquote class="rm-embed twitter-tweet" data-partner="rebelmouse" data-twitter-tweet-id="1919786154095722739">
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<p>Nevertheless, Trump said he "still believes" Canada should become the 51st state, citing a number of "advantages" that include tax cuts, military, and healthcare.</p><p>"It would really be a wonderful marriage," he said. "Never say never."</p><p>Carney then looked into a camera and mouthed the word "never."</p><p>Later, a reporter asked Trump if the day’s meetings might sway him on lifting tariffs against Canada.</p><p>The president's response was blunt: "No. That's just the way it is."</p><p>While they're far from being on the same page, Trump seems keen on maintaining a good relationship with his northern neighbours going forward. </p><p>"Regardless of anything, we're going to be friends with Canada."</p><p>Carney is scheduled to speak to reporters at the Canadian Embassy at 3 p.m. ET.</p><p><em>Love this? Check out our <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/notices/" target="_blank">MTL Blog noticeboard</a> for details on jobs, benefits, travel info and more!</em></p>
<p><em>AI tools may have been used to support the creation or distribution of this content; however, it has been carefully edited and fact-checked by a member of MTL Blog's Editorial team. For more information on our use of AI, please visit our <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/editorial-standards" target="_blank">Editorial Standards page</a>.</em></p>
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