What started as a joke 鈥 鈥 has slowly evolved into a more insidious idea. Initial remarks from the incoming U.S. president, dismissed by many as bluster, have , the controversial entrepreneur and investor from “Shark Tank,” who now proposes an 鈥渆conomic union鈥 between the United States and Canada.
O鈥橪eary, known for his brash style and bold pitches, has portrayed the idea as a pragmatic solution to geopolitical challenges, but the implications are far more alarming.
Having lived in both Canada and the U.S., I deeply respect both nations. I love the U.S. for its unparalleled opportunities, vibrant economy, and innovation. But the idea of merging Canada with its southern neighbour 鈥 economically or otherwise 鈥 is a hard no.
Canada is not for sale, and this so-called union would amount to a betrayal of everything that defines us.
Canada and the United States share one of the closest and most integrated relationships in the world. Trade between the two nations totalled $961 billion in 2022, with Canada consistently ranking as the largest export market for U.S. goods and services.
The U.S. has a modest trade deficit of around $100 billion with Canada, driven primarily by energy imports. rightly pointed out that this so-called deficit largely results from the U.S. purchasing Canadian oil and gas at a discount to world prices. 鈥淚t鈥檚 actually Canada that subsidizes the United States in this regard,鈥 Harper said.
Additionally, more than 76 per cent of Canadian exports to the U.S. are used as inputs by American industries. This interdependence underscores the mutual benefits of the relationship and highlights the economic reality that disruptions, like proposed tariffs, would harm both countries.
Trump鈥檚 comments about annexing Canada may have started as trolling, but as with many of his statements, the line between jest and intent has blurred. He has doubled down on the idea, threatening 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian goods until Canada stops “illegal migration” and “drug smuggling,” accusations Stephen Harper has dismissed as baseless. Harper noted, 鈥淒rugs, guns, crime 鈥 most of those things flow north, not south.鈥
Trump鈥檚 rhetoric, including referring to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as 鈥淕ov. Trudeau鈥 and Canada as the 鈥51st state,鈥 does not, as Harper put it, 鈥渟ound like the pronouncements of somebody who鈥檚 a friend, a partner, and an ally.鈥 The president-elect鈥檚 rhetoric undermines the long-standing alliance between the two countries.
While I rarely agree with Harper on foreign policy, his critique of Trump鈥檚 statements is spot on. Canada鈥檚 relationship with the U.S. should hinge on mutual respect, not threats or coercion.
This isn鈥檛 the first time the idea of annexation has surfaced. History has consistently shown Canadians rejecting the idea of a merger. A December poll revealed that 82 per cent of Canadians oppose becoming the 51st state, reflecting a strong national pride and commitment to sovereignty.
Canada is defined by its commitments to universal health care, multiculturalism and environmental stewardship. Far from perfect but different in many respects from the U.S. These values contrast sharply with American priorities. Harper emphasized that Canada鈥檚 relationship with the U.S. is built on the belief that the United States is a friend, not a conqueror
O鈥橪eary鈥檚 pitch for an economic union might seem less threatening than outright annexation, but it鈥檚 no less dangerous. Proposals for shared currencies and harmonized policies would require Canada to cede significant control over its economy and institutions.
This vision also ignores the critical role of trade agreements like the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). These agreements ensure collaboration while respecting national sovereignty. As the USMCA comes up for renegotiation in 2026, both nations have an opportunity to refine their trade relationship without compromising independence.
Canada has faced existential threats before, from internal unity crises like Quebec separatism to external pressures from global powers. Each time, Canadians have stood firm, guided by a sense of shared purpose and identity. Jean Chr茅tien captured this spirit perfectly: 鈥淲e may look easygoing, but make no mistake 鈥 we have spine and toughness.鈥
Harper, often described as one of the most pro-American prime ministers in Canadian history, acknowledged that Canada must prioritize its sovereignty. He warned that if the U.S. genuinely threatened Canada鈥檚 independence, a different political approach would become necessary: 鈥淚f the United States actually threatens the sovereignty and independence of Canada, [Conservative Leader Pierre] Poilievre will be forced to take a very different approach to Canada鈥檚 place in the world.鈥
I admire the United States and enjoy the opportunities it offers. But as someone who has lived in both countries, I can say unequivocally: Canada should never sell out its independence, whether through annexation or an economic union.
We are stronger as neighbours, partners, and equals. Let us celebrate what we share while safeguarding what sets us apart.
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