, March 15 -- Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney dismissed as "crazy" a recent remark by a senior U.S. official suggesting Canada should become the 51st state.

Speaking to reporters after his swearing-in ceremony, Carney offered a blunt response to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio's statement about Canada's independence.

"It's crazy," Carney said. "That's it."

Rubio, speaking at the G7 foreign ministers' meeting in La Malbaie, Quebec, defended U.S. President Donald Trump's repeated comments about Canada joining the United States, claiming it would be beneficial for the country.

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Carney stated that he currently has no immediate plans to visit the U.S. bu...