President Donald Trump said Wednesday that Canada would “cease to exist” if it weren’t for the United States — comments that came just days before Canadians are set to vote in an election dominated by Trump’s remarks on the country’s economy and sovereignty.

U.S. President Donald Trump has sparked controversy again by implying that Canada might function better as a U.S. state, just days before Canadians cast their ballots. Speaking from the Oval Office on Wednesday afternoon,

Trump’s dumping on Canada has infuriated its people and stoked a surge in Canadian nationalism that has helped the Liberals flip the election narrative.