Terry Burton
After listening to President-elect Trump today talk about how the USA doesn’t need anything from Canada, I was struck by the decades I spent imploring politicians across Canada to diversify our customer base. Sadly, most of those politicians and shortsighted business leaders ignored this advice and plowed ahead with an ever-increasing dependence on the USA as a place to market Canada’s goods and services—a really, really bad idea.
As we are all aware, nations have no conscience, only interests. Consequently, abandonment by a “trading friend” is not only an eventual but a predictable reality. If Canada and Canadians should learn anything from the salvos that Trump is sending Canada’s way, it is this: Canada not only should but must reduce its dependency on the USA.
That being said, during the Christmas and New Year’s festive period, I had the opportunity to consider the “magnanimous” offer by the POTUS-elect for Canada to become the 51st state. After a cursory review, it became glaringly obvious that the incoming President wasn’t serious about the offer. Rather, he is enjoying “ribbing and teasing” Canada’s soon-to-be ex-Prime Minister.
Most Canadians, as they should, view President-elect Trump’s (PET) banter as mere entertainment emanating from the “Southern White House.” Canadians, in the main, know that in any serious negotiations, the advocated terms and conditions need to reflect what both parties bring to the table. Obviously, such isn’t remotely the case with the Trump 51st salvo directed at Justin Trudeau!
Apparently, PET is taunting and teasing the Canadian Prime Minister with the intention to embarrass him. He has certainly succeeded, as Canadians are embarrassed by and for Justin Trudeau. Unfortunately, PET has also, I suspect unintentionally, insulted the people of Canada with such an absurd offer, and that, Amigo Trump, is not the sign of a good neighbor.
Trump is poking the Canadian Grizzly Bear in the eye, and as much as Trump may feel there is minimal risk to the USA by doing so—it is most likely not the case. As any astute negotiator knows, attempting to belittle a “best” friend causes resentment and, in all probability, erodes the propensity of the friend to be doggedly loyal, dependable, and devoted to the friendship.
Moreover, one can state with great assurance that any empire which views itself as omnipotent and thinks it can go it alone is often met with the reality that self-aggrandizement is their very vulnerable Achilles’ Heel.
Canadians know who they are, in spite of the present disastrous federal leadership in the country. Canadians need not and don’t have to brag—they are acutely aware of the blessings their country provides to its citizens and generously shares with others around the world. Canadians know with great confidence what they have contributed and continue to contribute to the world in a myriad of ways—whether it be in the 1st and 2nd world wars, peacekeeping efforts, foreign aid, trade, expertise and research in numerous fields, natural resources, technology, and culture.
Canadians, as they should be, are confident and proud of their values and fiercely independent. Any astute negotiator would do well to understand and accept this reality. Canadians, as history will affirm, will sit back and objectively observe the playground where world leaders are at play. Canadians, when the time is right, will confidently put on their big-boy and big-girl pants, with the knowledge and certainty that they need not take a backseat to anyone.
Canadians are secure; they need not bully, nor demand to be seen as top dog. It is well known that one’s actions determine the size and the power of their negotiating prowess—all elsewhere is mere window dressing.
For Canadians, an offer by Trump, no matter how mendacious or wily, to join the American Union would need to embody fairness and reflect the equality of the partnership. It would also need a clear and unambiguous recognition of the diversity and value Canada brings to the “Union.”
As any reasonable person would acknowledge, having all Canadians and Americans feel valued and respected is essential—such is obviously not contained in Trump’s banter with Trudeau.
Canadians know, if a serious offer (and to be fair, Canadians don’t want nor need such an offer) were to be forthcoming, that the embodiment of the essential principles of fairness and respect would certainly enhance the probability of such a “Union” attracting and retaining the support of those who are essential to helping it succeed.
Canadians, as the world knows, are averse to bragging, as bragging is often a ladder that people build for themselves out of words when they are afraid, and they are not tall enough in the eyes of the world. It is said that it is an unwitting confession to low self-esteem.
Canada, as PET must know, brings unbelievably rich and critical resources that should be acknowledged in any serious negotiation:
- Political stability
- Human capital
- Land mass
- Water resources
- Minerals, forestry, and natural resources
- Infrastructure and logistics
- Institutional knowledge in manufacturing, transportation, shipping, railways, and distribution
- Hydro, nuclear, and natural gas power systems
- Agricultural, ranching, and fishing expertise
- Financial, banking, educational, medical, and service sector expertise
- Technological innovation
- Cultural diversity
- Northern climate expertise
- A well-educated population
- A thriving movie and entertainment industry
- A relatively lower federal debt ratio
- Lower crime rates, including less gun violence
- World-class legal, policing, and military systems
- World-class oil, gas, and chemical industries
- Links with the Commonwealth and numerous global organizations
- Tremendous goodwill on the world stage
- Vibrant cities like Victoria, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Regina, Winnipeg, Ottawa, Toronto, Montreal, Quebec City, Fredericton, Charlottetown, Halifax, St. John’s, etc.
Given all these contributions, it’s clear that Canada cannot and will not accept a one-sided or unequal partnership. Therefore, any serious consideration of the idea of becoming the 51st state would require a much more equitable approach.
Here’s where the details come into play. If Trump were to truly entertain this idea (which, again, Canadians don’t want but would humorously entertain), Canada would expect to be granted the political, economic, and social rights commensurate with our significant contributions to both the American and global landscapes. Canada would demand to be recognized as a union of provinces, not just a singular entity. Thus, instead of being simply the 51st state, Canada would logically expect to be granted status as 51 through 63 states.
Consider the following, for a moment:
Canada, with its large population and vast land mass, would warrant the addition of not one, but 13 states to the Union. Each province and territory would expect to be recognized as a separate state with its own representation. For example:
- British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, and Quebec, each with their population and economic contribution, would be expected to have comparable representation and influence as U.S. states like California, Texas, New York, and Florida.
- Every province would demand a representative presence in the Senate, with a minimum of two senators per province, just like every U.S. state.
- The House of Representatives would need to reflect Canada’s population, giving it at least 12.24% of seats based on the proportion of Canadian to American population.
- The addition of Canada’s states would require at least three (3) members of the U.S. Supreme Court, one from Quebec and two from the rest of Canada, to ensure proper representation and fair judicial oversight.
And, of course, Canada would need to be absolved from any responsibility for the approximately $35 trillion in the current U.S. federal debt, which is 25 times greater than Canada’s own federal debt. While Canada has been fiscally responsible, taking on such a massive burden would be unacceptable and unjust.
It’s important to note that Canada’s contribution to any potential Union would go far beyond mere economic factors. Canada’s history, values, global standing, and contributions—such as peacekeeping efforts, foreign aid, and technological advancements—demand that any negotiation of this nature treat Canada with the utmost respect and fairness.
Therefore, if President-elect Trump wishes to explore a real offer to unite with Canada, it must be one that not only acknowledges but celebrates Canada’s unique position and immense value to the world.
As it stands, the current “offer” is more about entertainment and less about any genuine desire for union. But should such a proposal ever be considered seriously, Canadians would expect—and demand—representation and terms that reflect our immense value to the Union.
In conclusion, this correspondence serves to remind President-elect Trump that Canada is a dynamic, prosperous, and proud nation. While his playful remarks may provide some entertainment, they fail to reflect the respect and equality that any serious proposal should embody. As well, it is conspicuous by the number of essential elements that are glaringly missing. Canadians, as always, continue to extend their hand in friendship to the United States, and we wish you all the best in your second term.
And, if the idea of acquiring new territories truly excites you, might I suggest looking further into Greenland and/or Panama!!
Happy New Year, Mr. Trump, and all the best in 2025.
