Canada’s relationship with the U.S more than about politics

By Lethbridge Herald on July 4, 2025.

LEAVE IT TO BEEBER
Al Beeber
Lethbridge Herald

Today marks Independence Day in the United States.

While the relationship between the governments of Canada and the U.S. have become fractured over tariffs, our two countries still share a strong personal bond that has existed for centuries and will undoubtedly continue to exist long into the future.

That is due not only to the fact we are massive trading partners but because as neighbours we share much culturally and socially.

Many of us have friends and family on both sides of the border and consider the two countries to be nothing less than family.

Those ties merit a celebration because Canadians and Americans have so much in common. The fact our governments are in conflict right now can’t change the fact our countries are linked in many ways. Governments come and go and like in any relationship, conflicts happen. And usually they get resolved.

The optimists among us will hold out hope that the strained relationships that exist between Canada and the U.S. at the political levels are mere hiccups that will soon be resolved and put into the history books.

It’s important for residents of both countries for that to happen given the close bond our nations have. Like many Canadians, some of my closest friends and family live in the United States which is where I’ve learned at least one branch of the Bieber family – and likely more – settled in the 1800s after emigrating from Europe. 

Wisconsin and Michigan for certain and likely North Dakota are among the places my Bieber clan lived, worked, raised families and and died. Others from Saskatchewan, from what I’ve ascertained on my Ancestry journeys, moved south to places as diverse as Minnesota and California.

I have cousins living in Oregon, Washington, and other states, all former Canadians who moved south for one reason or another.

 I have a strong affinity for the U.S., a country that like our own has much to be proud of for all its accomplishments as a nation, a country which like ours and probably most others, also has its challenges.

Challenge is part of life and countries are no different than families and our American neighbours in the truest sense of the word are our family. We Canadians have long lived in peace and harmony with America and have always overcome our differences. There is no reason to think we won’t resolve current issues because it’s the nature of both countries to work together.

As Americans enjoy their July 4 celebration with family, it’s important for them to know that Canada still cares about the relationship we have, that we value it and we look forward to strengthening those close and valuable ties that we’ve enjoyed for so long.

To my friends and family stateside, enjoy your day. 

I may hoist a real beer for you tonight. . .