“I think Canada would be much better off being the 51st state because we lose $200 billion a year with Canada. And I’m not going to let that happen. Why are we paying $200 billion a year, essentially a subsidy to Canada?” —Donald J. Trump.
Before we unpack this over-stuffed suitcase of scenarios, let’s begin how this ominous $200B “subsidy” for Canada is a mystery yet to be proven.
Of course this is similar to the series of other stats, facts and myths being spun, seemingly for fun at this point, by the powers that be.
Side note: Beware of the glaringly obvious falsehoods that are repeated to the extent of becoming believed — the illusory truth effect.
Canadian sentiment
Based on a Leger Opinion study, 82% of Canadians are opposed to becoming the 51st state while 13% are for it.
This is a heated topic that has sparked a blaze of Canadian pride across the country. Let’s take a hypothetical look at the pros and cons of Canada becoming a part of the US.
Pros:
1. Economic integration
Blending Canada into the U.S. economy could create prosperous global business opportunities and eliminate costly trade barriers and issues at the border.
Income tax cuts akin to Canada’s social welfare model could boost bank accounts. The resulting savings could go towards improving private healthcare access and quality.
2. Greater national security
Merging with the U.S. would blend the country’s military forces. America has the most powerful military force in the world. Uniting with the Canadian military would only further amplify that. This could boost national security while reducing Canada’s defence burden.
3. Sharper competitive edge
Becoming the 51st state would push Canadians to enter a more competitive global market, encouraging stronger entrepreneurship. This could stimulate the economy, create more jobs and expand innovation.
Cons
“Canada’s strengths are its public services, particularly its health-care and education systems, which consistently earn top scores. The country is also more stable politically and has less violence than does its southern neighbour.” —The Economist.
1. Greater political unrest
The Wall Street Journal has named Trump’s on-and-off tariffs and threats against Canada as “the dumbest trade war in history”. The ensuing accusations and false claims against Canada, such as the amount of fentanyl that crosses the border, have enraged Canadians.
Canadian patriotism has exploded in response. Canada’s pride in being independent from the US in cultural identity, constitution and politics has amplified.
Worst case scenario, forcing a union may trigger a rebellion that could become violent and dangerous.
2. Compromised healthcare
Ending the universal healthcare system could cause significant dissatisfaction and upheave, or possibly end, the lives of Canadians receiving critical care otherwise unaffordable.
On that note, Canada has greater life expectancy than the US. On average, Canadian women live to 85.1 and men: 81.3. In the US, it’s 82.4 for women and 77.4 for men.
The Canadian healthcare system has serious flaws, such as wait times and staff shortages. However the removal of this system could be permanently damaging for thousands, if not millions.
If Canada were to retain universal healthcare, the “state” may see a huge influx of newcomers that could easily overwhelm and restrict the system. All of this could accumulate into resent and even greater, more volatile social tension.
3. Crushing corporate pressure
The US is home to some of the world’s largest companies of all time: Nestle, Coca-Cola, Amazon, Walmart, Apple — the list goes on.
While Canada has established it’s giant companies, like Reuters, Uber and Tim Horton’s, it has more small to medium sized businesses.
Economists speculate that amalgamating the countries could crush Canada’s competition. Smaller up-and-coming Canadian companies and entrepreneurial efforts could easily be absorbed by American corporate giants.
A tangled web
We understand this a very complex and multi-layered topic. What are some pros and cons that we missed? Please feel welcome to share your opinion.
For more on this topic, watch this fantastic video by The Infographics Show. Click here for more stories like this.
