Alaska Legislature rejects call for Canada as 51st state, opposes restrictive trade measures [Video]

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – Both chambers of the Alaska Legislature approved a resolution stating its support for Canadian independence and opposing “restrictive trade measures or tolls” that would affect commerce between Alaska and Canada, according to James Brooks with the Alaska Beacon.

House Joint Resolution 11, which would be sent to President Donald Trump, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and other top officials in both countries, implicitly rejects Trump’s call to make Canada the 51st state in the United States.

“Alaska recognizes the importance of a strong and sovereign nation of Canada and firmly supports Canada’s right to self-determination, national security, and economic independence,” the resolution states in part.

The Alaska Senate approved that language in a 13-6 vote on Monday with one lawmaker excused absent. The state House voted 33-4 on March 24 to approve a slightly different version.

Resolutions are statements of opinion by the Legislature and not subject to a governor’s veto.

The resolution will return …