There are many benefits that would come from further cooperation with the United States. Pictured: President-elect Donald Trump and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Photo Credit: Justin Trudeau/X.
Anyone in the Canadian intelligentsia who believes that President-elect Donald Trump’s trolling of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau being the governor of America’s 51st state has no legs better think again. Trump may have wanted to taunt Trudeau as his grip on power disappeared. Still, the reality of Canada and the United States developing a much closer relationship makes a lot of sense and may be irreversible.
A couple of centuries ago some American leaders theorized that Manifest Destiny meant that North America would one day be one entity ruled from Washington under the benevolent headship of the United States government. John Louis O’Sullivan imagined the term, but James K. Polk, president of the United States from 1845-49, is the politician most associated with the theory. The settling of the West and Canada’s eventual decision to expand Westward are outgrowths of the theory’s application. The idea never came to fruition but has always been a fear in the hearts of Canadians who often feel intimidated by America’s size and influence. Trump gave those fears no comfort in recent weeks. Many in the halls of power or influential journalists have dismissed Trump’s play as pestering comments meant to belittle Trudeau. Trump often has more in mind regardless of how easily the eggheads dismiss him as thoughtless or reckless.
Let’s examine what he might be scheming rather than becoming indignant like the ubiquitous Elizabeth May, Canada’s Green Party leader who was recently recorded ranting about Trump’s overtures, saying, “We love our country. And it’s a country, it’s a nation, and we do not aspire to be (the) 51st state. So let’s not hear it anymore. If it was a joke, it was never funny, and it ends now.”
Amongst other things, May offered states like California, Oregon and Washington provincial status in Canada. Sadly, Trump appeared to have irritated her. That means we have not heard the last from her despite no one paying her much attention. Despite May’s protestations, Trump’s thinking may be more dimensional than mockery or ridicule and there are three areas where both nations could benefit from a sovereignty-association hearkening back to Quebec separatists who advocated a separate Quebec with close economic associations with Canada when seeking the province’s independence in the latter part of the 20th century.
COMMON CURRENCY
The sharing of a common currency seems predestined. The nation’s economies are intertwined and if Canadians are honest, they would admit that upwards of 90 per cent of our population lives on the U.S. border. Why do we need a separate currency and why live at 70 per cent value when most of us live within a couple of hours of a border? It does not make sense and could become an incentive for Canadians if Trump offers to place our assets at par value and negotiate a fair deal for the value of salaries and benefits going forward. Europe already operates with a common currency, so why should Canada and the United States not consider the immense advantages of doing so? Vacations, shopping, and the simple benefit of no longer figuring out exchange rates would add value to Canadians’ lives if not length! There would be challenges to mount, but economists exist for this reason. Working out fair assessments and other tangible values would take time but could be accomplished over time.
COMMON BORDERS
If we share a currency then combining border security seems natural. To satisfy Trump’s concerns about open borders there would have to be uniform border regulations coming into and out of Canada and the United States. This could prove tricky since U.S. Customs officials have different roles and responsibilities beyond the strict enforcement of border law. Aligning visas for both nations would demand negotiation, but Canada’s point system, a practice that welcomed skilled workers more readily might be something the Americans would emulate. Enforcing the laws on the books would tighten the numbers and make it possible for both countries to efficiently settle newcomers and effectively meet the need for housing, education, and healthcare.
Canadians would gain freedom of movement when travelling, moving, or locating work under this new regime. Think of the benefits for people who want to live in a different climate, experience life in a divergent society, move closer to family, or access work for which they have been trained. Young people or those seeking career change would undoubtedly find this appealing. The advantages are plentiful and sell themselves.
COMMON MILITARY
Finally, integrating a single national defence would formalize what many know exists. Canada certainly has a separate military, but we depend on America to defend our borders. The underfunding of our military has gone on for decades under successive governments. Our military has become a source of consternation to those who believe that we should be prepared to protect our borders from insurgents or attacks. Unifying this neglected part of our government would ensure our nation’s security and restore our national pride. Under Justin Trudeau, the military has abandoned many of its traditional practices. As Diane Francis put it recently in her Dec. 19, 2024 Substack column, ‘Uh Oh Canada,’:
“Instead of building a military presence, Trudeau cut costs and concentrated on increasing the ‘inclusivity’ and ‘acceptance’ of soldiers, regardless of their backgrounds or gender. In 2024, the Canadian Armed Forces stated in a new dress code document that ‘lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and two-spirited people are among the invisibly different—but should not have to be. Everyone should have the choice of a uniform appropriate to his or her gender identity.’ The Code allows ‘personal choices regarding their appearance’ such as piercings, long hair, and tattoos on any part of the body as long as they don’t promote discrimination, racism, sexism, xenophobia, homophobia, explicit sexuality, or ableism. (Prejudice against people with disabilities based on the belief that typical abilities are superior).”
Francis rightly observes that Canada has become a punchline under Trudeau’s misguided and woke leadership. For our military to deliver on its mission the department needs an overhaul. Joining the American and Canadian units provides a common defence while allowing Canadians to volunteer for positions in Canada if they wish to remain in their native land.
Undoubtedly many issues will remain elusive under this association and deserve to remain so. Dealing with America’s original sin of slavery or Canada’s historical mistreatment of the Indigenous populations requires the nation’s governments to continue addressing these matters internally. Many other institutions and practices will be managed within, but the time for change has come on these three fronts. Canada has forged a strong and independent country, but the economic behemoth to our South presents us with advantages we should not ignore or reject. The coming years will require exacting leadership, skillful negotiation, and a vision for a different Canada. Let’s hope our new leaders are up to the job or we may end up swallowed whole by a growing American dynasty.
Addendum:
For what Candice Malcolm (Editor-in-Chief at True North) called a “terrifying thought” experiment read the following @CandiceMalcolm on X for Dec. 24, 2024.
Dave Redekop is a retired elementary resource teacher who worked part-time at the St. Catharines Courthouse as a Registrar until being appointed Executive Director at Redeemer Bible Church in October 2023. He has worked on political campaigns since high school and attended university in South Carolina for five years, earning a Master’s in American History with a specialization in Civil Rights. Dave loves reading biographies.
