Stephen Harper has criticized Donald Trump over his comments regarding the United States' relationship with Canada.
During an interview with Gabe Groisman, the former prime minister broke down all the things the president-elect has gotten wrong.
"I was probably the most pro-American prime minister in the history of our country," Harper began. "I view our relationship with the US as one of our greatest assets ... our neighbour, our vital security partner, and our friend, and shared comrade in the propagation of the free and democratic world everywhere."
Harper noted that while he understood that Trump "may want some changes in trade arrangements," he was nonetheless "shocked by some of the things [Trump] said," adding, "they're just not so."
He pushed back on some of the claims made by the president-elect, pointing out that when it comes to dairy, Canada sells "almost none" to the Americans, and that our trade surplus is because the US purchases "so much of our oil and gas."
"You buy it at a discount to world markets," he told the American host. "It's actually Canada that subsidizes the US in this regard."
Harper suggested that if Trump continues down the road towards tariffs, perhaps Canada should consider selling oil and gas to other countries.
He then took aim at Trump's claim that the US "subsidizes Canadian defence," arguing that the only reason the Americans do that is because it's in their own interest to ensure all of North America is safe.
"There is no migrant flow happening from Canada to the US in any significant numbers," Harper continued, dismantling another one of the president-elect's talking points while noting that he was sympathetic to his position on the threat posed by the influx of people from the southern border. "Guns, drugs, crime; most of those things float north, not south."
He said Trump's "doesn't sound like ... somebody who's a friend, a partner, and an ally."
"Our desire as Canadians we've had now for decades to be strong and beside the US is hinged on believing the US is a friend, not that the US wants to conquer or annex Canada," Harper continued.
"Most Canadians continue to hope that Trump is joking, but if the US actually threatens the sovereignty and independence of Canada, (Pierre) Poilievre will be forced to take a very different approach to Canada's place in the world."