General Jennie Carignan, Canada's Chief of the Defence Staff, stated at the 28th annual Indo-Pacific Chiefs of Defence Conference in Victoria, B.C., that Canada's military relationship with the United States remains unchanged despite the collapse of trade talks and escalating political tensions. ^[1] Admiral Samuel Paparo, head of U.S. Pacific Command, suggested on September 2, 2026, that the United States is as likely to launch an attack on Mars as it is to invade Canada. ^[2] General Jennie Carignan told The Globe and Mail on Monday that Canada's fighter jet contract with American company Lockheed Martin and Canada's role in the U.S.'s Golden Dome missile defence system are a different conversation than trade negotiations with the Trump administration. ^[3] U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy claimed Canada has no military, U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent made a joke about the country's ability to respond to threats, and U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth posted a controversial remark about the Canadian cadet program to social media. ^[4] Admiral Samuel Paparo dismissed the question of invading Canada as absolutely and utterly preposterous during a news conference in Victoria. ^[5] Admiral Samuel Paparo, commander of the U.S. Pacific Command, thanked his Canadian counterparts for their leadership and hospitality before speaking about the importance of operating together to compound deterrence. ^[6] Admiral Samuel Paparo affirmed that he follows the orders of President Donald Trump. ^[7]