Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on Tuesday night and proceeded to explain why he thinks Canada is better than the United States.
In a somewhat smug appearance, Trudeau’s comments took on a dismissive tone as he compared the diversity of the Canadian population to that of the United States, emphasizing how Canada celebrates diversity, while in the United States people are more expected to assimilate.
Trudeau also made comments about the United States paying too much for Canadian lumber because of tariffs before making a comment about Canada’s universal health care that also came with a dose of condescension as he insinuated that Canada has a better system.
It was Trudeau’s first time appearing on the comedian’s late-night talk show, but throughout he showed his more… an underlying sense of superiority in portraying Canada as a more progressive country in some areas.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on Tuesday night and proceeded to explain why he thinks Canada is better than the United States.
Trudeau said Canada was more than maple syrup and mountains
Colbert seemed humble as he introduced Trudeau, eager to learn more about America’s northern neighbor.
“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 thinks mostly about itself and I hear very good things about Canada, so here I am,” Colbert gestured.
“Canada is the best country in the world. It has beautiful mountains, rivers, lakes…” Truedeau began.
“Everyone is focused on the land, but Canada is really about the people. It’s about a variety of people from every possible background coming together. It’s a little bit different from the melting pot of the United States, where everyone can be an American,” he explained.
“We try to celebrate differences, people retain their culture and their languages. When the Polish prime minister came to visit, he was super surprised and pleased that so many members of the Polish community spoke Polish, even though they have been here for generations, whereas in the United States everyone is becoming more American,” Trudeau said in a subtle dig.
Trudeau’s comments took on a smug tone as he compared the diversity of Canada’s population to that of the United States and emphasized how Canada celebrates diversity.
Colbert seemed humble as he introduced Trudeau, eager to learn more about America’s northern neighbour. Pictured are the twinkling lights of Montreal
“I’ve heard that the United States is a melting pot of cultures, while Canada is considered a mosaic,” Colbert said.
“It’s an amazing country and I really encourage you to come and see more than just the maple syrup and the mountains, although those things are good too,” the Canadian prime minister said.
Colbert asked Trudeau what he thought Canadians and Americans were fighting about.
“You are paying too much for your timber because you have tariffs on it, and that doesn’t make any sense. We keep trying to point that out to you,” the Prime Minister said. “We will continue to work on it.”
Colbert noted how Americans often travel to Canada to obtain cheaper pharmaceutical drugs.
“We’re happy to be able to help them, but it would be a lot easier if they had universal health care,” Trudeau said to enthusiastic applause.
Colbert also pointed out how Canadian coins, including pennies and quarters, often sneak into Americans’ wallets.
“You have monarchs on your money. The Queen passed away recently, so what happens to the money now? Do you have to get money from the King?” he asked.
“The King’s money will be phased in gradually,” Trudeau said, noting that there was no great urgency.
“You still have Lincoln on your dime,” he joked.
“We try to celebrate differences, people retain their culture and their languages,” Trudeau said. Pictured here, Trudeau shakes hands with a Syrian refugee during Canada Day 2016 celebrations
Colbert pointed out how Canadian currency often found its way into the wallets of Americans.
On Wednesday, Trudeau easily survived a confidence vote after his main political rival failed to muster enough support to end nine years of Liberal Party rule.
Back to Canada on Wednesday Trudeau easily survived a confidence vote after his main political rival failed to muster enough support to end nine years of Liberal Party rule.
Lawmakers 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 plummeted amid anger over rising prices and a housing crisis, became more politically vulnerable this month when the smaller New Democratic Party broke a 2022 deal to keep him in power until an election scheduled for late October 2025.
