Key Facts
• January 20, 2026: Globe and Mail reports Canada’s military response plan.
• U.S. President Donald Trump repeatedly called Canada the “51st state” post-2024 election.
• January 19, 2026: Trump posted a map on Truth Social showing Canada and Venezuela under U.S. flags.
• Canadian officials believe U.S. invasion order from Trump is unlikely.
• U.S. military could seize Canadian land and sea bases within 2 days.
• Canada lacks conventional military power to resist U.S. forces.
• Canada’s response focuses on guerrilla tactics like ambushes and surprise attacks.
• The plan is conceptual, not a detailed operational military strategy.
• Canada expects clear invasion signs, such as ending bilateral cooperation at NORAD.
• Canada likely to seek support from the United Kingdom and France.
Summary
Amid renewed online claims by U.S. President Donald Trump about annexing Canada, the Canadian military is formulating a response plan focused on guerrilla warfare tactics. According to the Globe and Mail, anonymous Canadian government officials state that while a U.S. invasion order is considered unlikely, the U.S. military could quickly overpower Canadian conventional forces within two days. Due to Canada’s limited military capacity, resistance would rely on ambushes and surprise attacks similar to tactics used in Afghanistan against Soviet and U.S. forces. The plan remains a theoretical framework rather than a detailed operational directive. Canada anticipates clear warning signs of invasion, such as the termination of bilateral cooperation at the North American Aerospace Defense Command. Additionally, Canada is expected to seek military support from allies including the United Kingdom and France.
