No need to fear ’51st’ state, says local political sociologist
By Alejandra Pulido-Guzman - Lethbridge Herald on January 11, 2025.
CANADIAN PRESS FILE PHOTO -
Canadian and American flags fly near the Ambassador Bridge at the Canada-USA border crossing in Windsor, Ont.LETHBRIDGE HERALDapulido@lethbridgeherald.com
As United States president-elect Donald Trump made his desire to annex Canada as the 51 state public earlier this week, many question the probability of it happening and what that could mean for Canadians.
Local retired political sociologist Trevor Harrison weights in and says Canadians don’t have much to worry about as it is something that will simply not happen due to multiple reasons.
“This this is a bargaining position, plus Donald Trump says all kinds of outrageous things all the time,” says Harrison.
But for the sake of argument, Harrison says that in a hypothetical scenario where there is a possibility of Canada becoming the 51 state, it would be very difficult to happen.
“There are just way too many political, legal and constitutional things that have to be done,” says Harrison. “And in fact, not only would Canadians and Canadian institutions not go along with it, there’s a very good chance that it wouldn’t even be accepted in the United States.”
He adds that the vast majority of Canadians don’t want to be part of the United States. And even though there may be some that like the idea of becoming American by letting Canada become the 51 State, constitutionally there are just too many things that would have to change in order to make it actually come about.
“There are a whole series of treaties with Indigenous peoples going back to the 1760s that would be problematic in terms of the United States absorbing Canada,” says Harrison.
He says in addition to that, it would have to pass all the offices in the United States and is a good chance that it won’t get through the Senate or the House of Representatives.
“So, it’s not going to happen, but if it was to happen there would be multiple consequences that would impact the country as a whole,” says Harrison.
He says Canadians should realize that if this was to happen, provinces and territories would loose power in many ways.
“Right now, each province has the power of one tenth of Confederation. Alberta would not have the same power in a United Canada in the United States,” says Harrison. “Canada would also almost immediately loose Medicare and a lot of control over our own waterways.”
When talking about taxes, which seems to be something that influences people’s agreement with the idea, Harrison says we would most likely end up paying higher taxes without any real benefits.
“And the other thing is, most Canadians would find themselves involved in some foreign military expedition because the United States tends to get involved in military exercises everywhere around the world,” says Harrison.
 He explains that at least those within drafting age would probably find themselves serving in the American military fighting someplace.
“But again, it’s not going to happen. But, in the worst-case scenario those would be a few things that would happen if it did,” says Harrison.
In terms of the Canadians that agree with Trump, he says sometimes when there is an economic downturn, a few people, particularly in some of the business community, will think this is a great short-term solution to a bigger problem.
“But at the end of the day, there aren’t that many people. And it’s a bit silly saying just because the Canadian dollar drops in value that today we’ve decided to join the United States,” says Harrison.
He adds that another reason why some agree with Trump, might have to do with the fact that here in Western Canada and especially in Alberta, many disagree with a Liberal government and believe that joining the United States will “fix everything.”
“Well, that’s kind of silly because Justin Trudeau has resigned, and the Liberals probably will get defeated in the next election. Why would you suddenly throw over all of Canada and getting on 200 years of history, all because of one government you didn’t like?” says Harrison.
21-20
It is hard to understand why this discussion has even arisen. Of course it is about the bombastic, vitriolic, imbecile down south . To those 13 or so % of Canadians who actually embrace the notion, the solution is easy – MOVE!
Now is the time for the leaders of all federal parties and the premiers across the country, to actually put aside their differences and exhibit bipartisanship, standing and speaking as a united front essentially saying “stay the hell out of our business”.
All someone needs to do is roll another ball of yarn in front of the fat orange cat! It’ll move on to something else.
Trumps ridiculous proposal to absorb Canada has had the desired effect. Our politicians are scurrying south to lick his boots and give his ego the boost he so desperately needs. I expect Smith to whisper in Orange Man’s ear “don’t worry ur highness, I’m working diligently to at least have Alberta become ur 51st state”.
Trump continue to show disrespect to us Canadians. It is an insult every time he open up his mouth on this issue.
trump is an idiot, and typical of that nature he just rambles on. however, given his ramblings of late, he seems to have an emerging warlord mentality, seeming to feel he can take whatever geography he desires. i wonder, however, that if he placed enough pressure on canada, how would canadians at large respond. i am not entirely convinced enough canadians would do much of anything to repel the lout. might enough of us be complacent, more willing to accept whatever is the easiest process, rather than take on some discomfort should we need to literally take a stand.
Any tariffs require re negotiating MAFTA. doesn’t matter to Trump but may matter to the House and the Senate in the US. Harrison is correct and i will add Trump starts negotiations by throwing a grenade.