Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was a guest on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on Tuesday night and talked about why he thinks Canada is better than the United States.
Trudeau made a somewhat smug statement with a disparaging undertone, as he compared the diversity of the Canadian population to that of the United States. He emphasized that Canada embraces diversity, while in the United States people are expected to adapt.
Trudeau also made comments about the US paying too much for Canadian timber because of tariffs. He then took a dig at Canada’s universal health care. This was accompanied by a dose of condescension, as he suggested that Canada has a better system.
It was Trudeau’s first time appearing on the comedian’s late-night talk show, but he spent the entire time an underlying sense of superiority, as he portrayed Canada as more progressive in some areas.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on Tuesday night, where he went on to explain why he thinks Canada is better than the US.
Trudeau said Canada is more than just maple syrup and mountains
Colbert seemed humble as he introduced Trudeau, eager to learn more about America’s northern neighbor.
“We love you Ryans, both Gosling and Reynolds,” Colbert began, joking about the country’s best acting talent, “but I don’t know everything about Canada. Imagine if I came from a country that was mostly out to itself, and I heard really good things about Canada, I’d be here,” Colbert beckoned.
“Canada is the best country in the world. You see the beautiful mountains, the rivers, the lakes…” Truedeau began.
“Everyone focuses on the country, but Canada is really about the people. It’s a range of people from all walks of life coming together. It’s a little bit different than the melting pot of the United States, where everyone can be American,” he explained.
“We try to celebrate differences, people keep their cultures and their languages. When the Polish prime minister came to visit, he was so surprised and happy that so many members of the Polish community speak Polish, even though they’ve been here for generations, while in the US everyone is becoming more American,” Trudeau said in a subtle dig.
Trudeau’s comments took on a self-congratulatory tone as he compared the diversity of Canada’s population to the U.S. and emphasized how Canada celebrates diversity
Colbert seemed humble as he introduced Trudeau, eager to learn more about America’s neighbor to the north. Pictured, the twinkling lights of Montreal
“I’ve heard that America is a melting pot, while Canada sees itself as a mosaic,” Colbert said.
“It’s a beautiful country and I really encourage you to come and see more than just the maple syrup and the mountains, although those things are beautiful too,” the Canadian prime minister said.
Colbert asked Trudeau what he thought the Canadians and Americans were arguing about.
“You’re paying too much for your timber because you have import duties on it, and that doesn’t make sense. We’re going to keep trying to point that out to you,” the prime minister said. “We’re going to keep working on it.”
Colbert noted that Americans often travel to Canada to obtain cheaper pharmaceutical drugs.
“We’re happy to help you, but it would be a lot easier if you had universal health care,” Trudeau said to loud applause.
Colbert also noted that Canadian coins, including pennies and quarters, often end up in the wallets of Americans.
“You have monarchs on your money. The queen died recently, so what happens to the money now? Should you get a king’s money?” he asked.
“They will phase in the king’s money,” Trudeau explained, noting there was no great rush.
“You still have Lincoln on your record,” he joked.
“We try to celebrate differences, people keep their cultures and their languages,” Trudeau said. Pictured, Trudeau shakes hands with a Syrian refugee during Canada Day 2016 celebrations
Colbert noted that Canadian currency often seeped into Americans’ wallets
On Wednesday, Trudeau easily survived a confidence vote after his main political rival failed to garner enough support to end nine years of Liberal Party rule
Back in Canada on Wednesday Trudeau easily survived a confidence vote after his main political rival failed to garner enough support to end the Liberal Party’s nine-year rule.
Lawmakers in the House of Commons voted 211-120 against a motion from the official opposition Conservative Party indicating no confidence in Trudeau’s minority Liberal Party government.
Trudeau, whose popularity has plummeted amid discontent 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 elections scheduled for late October 2025.