In a bold and unexpected move, President Donald J. Trump has put forth the idea of annexing Canada as the “51st state” of the United States, sparking a fervent conversation across the border. Tired of the U.S. carrying the Canadian economy and ensuring their security, this proposal is gaining traction, with over 10% of Canadians already voicing support in initial polls.
Provinces like Alberta are seeing a surge in support for the notion. Bison farmer Don Casselman is among those advocating for Alberta’s secession to become part of the U.S., citing Canada’s lack of military defense strength against powers like Russia or China due to having only 63,000 troops.
“The answer, to Mr Casselman, was obvious. ‘I want President Trump to come and visit us’, he said, referring to the bison ranch-turned-separatist hub that stretched out over the fields into the distance. Perhaps a plan could be hashed out with Danielle Smith, Alberta’s conservative premier, for the absorption of Alberta into the United States. ‘I want my children to understand what it means to be free’.”
Many initially saw Trump’s proposal as a mere jest, but it soon gained serious consideration, especially with the potential unraveling of Canada’s state structure if provinces like Alberta and Saskatchewan push for secession.
“’I’m thinking of moving with my family to the US’, sighed Chris Hunter, a 40-year-old oil worker, over a pint of beer at the [Edmonton] bar. […] While Mr. Hunter was not an active supporter of secession, he said he would reconsider his decision to leave Alberta if Mr. Trump took over. ‘He’s a businessman’, Mr. Hunter said, ‘and so am I’.”
Amidst this rising sentiment, grievances over federal mandates, the handling of the 2022 “Freedom Convoy” protest, and issues like the imposition of a carbon tax and legalized euthanasia fuel the desire for a change.
James Goransrud, an Albertan citizen, voiced a historical concern, “It’s taxation without representation, and historically that’s a problem, right?” Similar frustrations were echoed by others who see Alberta’s current healthcare practices as failing their citizens.
“’All we’re doing is saying we want this, yeah, we accept President Trump’s offer’, [oil worker Peter] Downing said, while 18-wheeler trucks roared past on the snow-fringed highway outside the window. ‘We want lower taxes. And we want to never pay another dime to Ottawa through ‘equalization.’ […] Moreover, if Mr Trump took power, ‘Drill, Baby, Drill’ would remove the shackles from Alberta’s oil industry.”
For further insights, check out the coverage on how world leaders initially resist but eventually align with Trump’s policies in the article: First, World Leaders Complain, Then They Do What Trump Wants.
