Canada’s defence minister says Trump’s annexation talk is not a ‘real threat’ [Video]

Defence Minister Bill Blair says U.S. President Donald Trump’s talk of turning Canada into the 51st state is not a “real threat.”

The minister is in Brussels to meet with NATO allies and the Ukraine Defense Contact Group. Blair and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had a breakfast meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte Wednesday morning.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Blair said that while Trump’s comments are “disrespectful and concerning,” he doesn’t see them as a serious threat.

“Certainly we’re concerned about those remarks, and I think overwhelmingly for all Canadians those remarks are offensive. We’re proud of our country,” he said.

“We’ve assured all of our allies we’re prepared to stand up for our country. I do not believe that represents a real threat to us.”

Last week, Trudeau told Canadian business leaders behind closed doors Trump’s threat was …