"For starters, a new State of Canada would be geographically as large as all 50 US states combined and more valuable." And therein lies the rub - Canada is the richest country in the Western Hemisphere yet it has not paid its way in defending itself as part of the larger Western effort. It supports no Navy, no Air Force, and no mechanized Army. And given that it is more valuable than the US, it does not even make the top ten in terms of military aid provided to stem the current invasion of Europe.
Agree with most comments - a very informative article today, Diane. I almost feel like waving the Canadian flag again but ----- when trDOPE leaves, the flag is up!!!
My plan when he finally resigns is to go to the liquor store and get the most expensive bottle of wine I can afford and sit with a glass or two reveling in the freedom and future possibilities.
Great economic Plan! But first Canadians need to get rid of the sleezy Liberals who have always played Quebec off against the rest of Canada while making Alberta pay for its political favoritism. Who can trust a party that imposes French on Ontario and then allows Quebec to eliminate English, thus aiding and abetting the separatists. And that's not even mentioning the protected cows in Quebec. I'm betting on Danielle S. and Pierre P. for 2025.
US military protects Canada? Bull. Not once. But Canadian forces have protected the US all over the world.
Canada has just built about six (I think) armed ice breaking ships (in Canada), and has excellent local trained militia in the Arctic, well equipped and supported. Building arctic ports, improving airstrips, improving infrastructure - how is Canada deficient in the Arctic?
I didn't realize that Trudeau had created a cluster ---- of illegal immigration. Trump is right to get mad about that.
But the US doesn't support us in any way - that 150 B is garbage talk.
But we send them 50 billion in discounted oil prices yearly; they resell our electrical power and make about 100 billion a year profit for themselves. They bitch about our lumber exports but don't say anything about their resale profits.
Lastly, it is Canada that sends huge dividends to the USA - not the other way around.
I am not against the USA, in fact I care very much about them. But I don't want to join them except like the Europeans have done.
Feds have 300 people in the Arctic which is dramatically bigger than Western Europe. It's a joke. There are hundreds of "Canadian Rangers", army reservists but few in number given the size of the territory. NORAD is in charge and the US runs and pays for that and there are 30,000 millitary personnel in Alaska.
Canada's military has been demoralized and gutted by these clowns in Ottawa
We drove by the air base in Anchorage - miles and miles and miles and miles etc. (get the picture) of every kind of plane - military types - spit fires -cargo - huge huge planes that look mean & well endowed with equipment. I was so thankful to see that triple row of aircraft AND never mind the helicopters - WE, CANADA, look like a toy store - and we are!!!
Canada is doing much less than it should be enforcing Arctic control. But the Rangers are great. Norad isn't being charged for it's presence on Canadian soil to protect the USA from nuclear attack - so it should pay it's own costs.
One point about oil reserves - your published numbers are correct except for the untapped Canadian oil fields offshore BC and in the St Lawrence basin. Canada could be number one.
The reason Canada can spend what it does on social programs is that it depends upon the US for its protection.
The first and foremost American protection comes in the form of the deterrence provided by its nuclear arsenal - Canada contributes to a warning system to detect incoming weapons (detection that simply triggers the launch of a counterstrike and Anti-ballistic Missile measures by the US).
Canada, however, does not want to sully its pacifistic image by maintaining its own nuclear deterrence arsenal or ABM capability or allowing the US to base such weapons on Canadian soil.
America also maintains a far more advanced, better equipped and capable conventional military that can be deployed anywhere in the world while Canada has a neglected military that has minimal ability to deploy in or defend the nation itself.
Neither Canada's coasts or the Arctic have the military capability to deal with an aggressive incursion by Red China or Russia without assistance from the US.
Much is made of Canada's Arctic security but all that that been provided to defend it are slow moving surface vessels that can easily be destroyed by submarine launched anti-ship missiles.
There is only one method by which enemy submarines can be detected and destroyed under the ice-cap and that is by purpose designed hunter-killer submarines or sub sea drones - Canada has neither.
The much touted Arctic Rangers do have a useful reconnaissance role but they too are underequipped and have no base facilities. (The idea of an invasion threat to the south mounted from the Arctic is ludicrous - Arctic resources would be the object of a hostile incursion. Canada's southern east and west coasts would make far easier invasion routes.)
If Canada is going to entertain a trade union with the US, it will also have to entertain military integration as well.
The simple fact is that the US is not going to enter into a trade union with a military freeloader - part of the wealth generated by a trade union would have to be directed at a joint military pact in which Canada contributed a credible share and played a credible role.
Canada need not become part of the United States but a closer relationship economically and militarily would definitely benefit both nations.
I think many Canadians would welcome an economic union with the United States - Quebec would be the question mark.
In order for Canada to up its game militarily, the Canadian people are going to have to understand what the Americans do - that it is better to fight your enemy on their home front as opposed to having them bring it to yours.
Isolationism invites attack - particularly in a case like where you hear the refrain “we’ll defend Canada when the enemy is at the door”.
This is all fine when you have the US defending the door but a recipe for disaster without such protection - particularly when you have no deterrence.
Canadians are going to have to come to terms with two basic realities.
The first is that nuclear deterrence has prevented another world war for the past eighty years and that it is time for Canada to participate to aid in the mutual assured destruction strategy that discourages hostile regimes from attempting a nuclear attack on North America.
The second reality is that Canadian military would benefit significantly by training with the US military and by employing the same weapons systems.
There is no question that enhanced training and weapons synchronization would enhance the joint defensive capabilities of both countries.
At present, the acquisition of military hardware in Canada is more a function of pork barreling than providing our armed forces with the armaments required.
While there are aspects of this unsavoury practice in the US, however, the US forces are far better armed than those of Canada.
Using ‘off-the -shelf’ US military hardware would enhance consistency in both training and operations.
In short, Canada’s best option for upping its military game is to make use of the American model and its resources.
In both cases Canadians are going to have to shuck the politically motivated chauvinism that has generated public resistance to nuclear capability as well as to greater military cooperation with the US.
World is a crazy place you never know what will happen next. Nice article but you wrote incompatible political and social system. You are right but in Trump world Canada's system gets thrown out and their system put in. Just as a state they would decide on their own health care system. That might make everyone to move to the "51state" Rich state with better health care. 😂
If you look at it from a satirical view Canada as the 51st state would be the richest state and could dictate policy in Washington. Especially if many come from other states to the 51st State. Power would lie in the 51Stt state Better deals this way 😂
Diane, Quebec is only an hour's drive from me. It is a delightful place to visit, but the separatist vibe (from British Canada)can be felt, even for a tourist, and some residents abhor English speakers. What might Quebec do in the case of a blending of societies?
An economic union won't affect their protectionist situation, but Quebec's language restrictions and attitudes will continue to shrink its economic and political importance within Canada.
Great point. Also it is inconceivable that an economic union with the US should continue to provide subsidies to Quebec to the tune of 14 million annually.
true its recent attack on mcgill and concordia universities reflects basic racism...quebecs bill 96 is yet another Example...quebec oing it alone???forget it ....already a beneficiary of huge equalization payments and favorable investment treatment by ottawa...their mistreatment of english quebecers would not be looked on favorably by the usa......
I am prepared to be patient enough to give President-Elect Trump time to see what his administration suggests we do, propses we do and how much he is prepared to see get done!
Speaking of customs unions: I would love to see the resurrection of the suggestion that the Turks & Caicos Islands enter into such an arrangement with Canada. It was mooted twice in the past forty years but has obviously never come to fruition, darn it.
Kevin O’Leary is a legend in his own mind. He doesn’t speak for half of Canadians, that’s a laugh. He couldn’t get me to cross the street to hear whatever he had to say. He’s a puffed up blowhard, just like DJT. Go away Kev.
"For starters, a new State of Canada would be geographically as large as all 50 US states combined and more valuable." And therein lies the rub - Canada is the richest country in the Western Hemisphere yet it has not paid its way in defending itself as part of the larger Western effort. It supports no Navy, no Air Force, and no mechanized Army. And given that it is more valuable than the US, it does not even make the top ten in terms of military aid provided to stem the current invasion of Europe.
Agree with most comments - a very informative article today, Diane. I almost feel like waving the Canadian flag again but ----- when trDOPE leaves, the flag is up!!!
My plan when he finally resigns is to go to the liquor store and get the most expensive bottle of wine I can afford and sit with a glass or two reveling in the freedom and future possibilities.
I might join you!!!!
Great economic Plan! But first Canadians need to get rid of the sleezy Liberals who have always played Quebec off against the rest of Canada while making Alberta pay for its political favoritism. Who can trust a party that imposes French on Ontario and then allows Quebec to eliminate English, thus aiding and abetting the separatists. And that's not even mentioning the protected cows in Quebec. I'm betting on Danielle S. and Pierre P. for 2025.
Wouldn't creating an economic union just piss off China and Russia no end. Let the chaos begin.
US military protects Canada? Bull. Not once. But Canadian forces have protected the US all over the world.
Canada has just built about six (I think) armed ice breaking ships (in Canada), and has excellent local trained militia in the Arctic, well equipped and supported. Building arctic ports, improving airstrips, improving infrastructure - how is Canada deficient in the Arctic?
I didn't realize that Trudeau had created a cluster ---- of illegal immigration. Trump is right to get mad about that.
But the US doesn't support us in any way - that 150 B is garbage talk.
But we send them 50 billion in discounted oil prices yearly; they resell our electrical power and make about 100 billion a year profit for themselves. They bitch about our lumber exports but don't say anything about their resale profits.
Lastly, it is Canada that sends huge dividends to the USA - not the other way around.
I am not against the USA, in fact I care very much about them. But I don't want to join them except like the Europeans have done.
Feds have 300 people in the Arctic which is dramatically bigger than Western Europe. It's a joke. There are hundreds of "Canadian Rangers", army reservists but few in number given the size of the territory. NORAD is in charge and the US runs and pays for that and there are 30,000 millitary personnel in Alaska.
Canada's military has been demoralized and gutted by these clowns in Ottawa
We drove by the air base in Anchorage - miles and miles and miles and miles etc. (get the picture) of every kind of plane - military types - spit fires -cargo - huge huge planes that look mean & well endowed with equipment. I was so thankful to see that triple row of aircraft AND never mind the helicopters - WE, CANADA, look like a toy store - and we are!!!
Canada is doing much less than it should be enforcing Arctic control. But the Rangers are great. Norad isn't being charged for it's presence on Canadian soil to protect the USA from nuclear attack - so it should pay it's own costs.
One point about oil reserves - your published numbers are correct except for the untapped Canadian oil fields offshore BC and in the St Lawrence basin. Canada could be number one.
I thought your article today was great.
The reason Canada can spend what it does on social programs is that it depends upon the US for its protection.
The first and foremost American protection comes in the form of the deterrence provided by its nuclear arsenal - Canada contributes to a warning system to detect incoming weapons (detection that simply triggers the launch of a counterstrike and Anti-ballistic Missile measures by the US).
Canada, however, does not want to sully its pacifistic image by maintaining its own nuclear deterrence arsenal or ABM capability or allowing the US to base such weapons on Canadian soil.
America also maintains a far more advanced, better equipped and capable conventional military that can be deployed anywhere in the world while Canada has a neglected military that has minimal ability to deploy in or defend the nation itself.
Neither Canada's coasts or the Arctic have the military capability to deal with an aggressive incursion by Red China or Russia without assistance from the US.
Much is made of Canada's Arctic security but all that that been provided to defend it are slow moving surface vessels that can easily be destroyed by submarine launched anti-ship missiles.
There is only one method by which enemy submarines can be detected and destroyed under the ice-cap and that is by purpose designed hunter-killer submarines or sub sea drones - Canada has neither.
The much touted Arctic Rangers do have a useful reconnaissance role but they too are underequipped and have no base facilities. (The idea of an invasion threat to the south mounted from the Arctic is ludicrous - Arctic resources would be the object of a hostile incursion. Canada's southern east and west coasts would make far easier invasion routes.)
If Canada is going to entertain a trade union with the US, it will also have to entertain military integration as well.
The simple fact is that the US is not going to enter into a trade union with a military freeloader - part of the wealth generated by a trade union would have to be directed at a joint military pact in which Canada contributed a credible share and played a credible role.
Canada need not become part of the United States but a closer relationship economically and militarily would definitely benefit both nations.
As I wrote an Economic Union will require Canada to up its military and security game or there cannot be a customs union or safety.
Canada is a freeloader and cannot do this any longer. Apart from security and equity, it's embarrassing and Trudeau plus others are to blame
We agree.
I think many Canadians would welcome an economic union with the United States - Quebec would be the question mark.
In order for Canada to up its game militarily, the Canadian people are going to have to understand what the Americans do - that it is better to fight your enemy on their home front as opposed to having them bring it to yours.
Isolationism invites attack - particularly in a case like where you hear the refrain “we’ll defend Canada when the enemy is at the door”.
This is all fine when you have the US defending the door but a recipe for disaster without such protection - particularly when you have no deterrence.
Canadians are going to have to come to terms with two basic realities.
The first is that nuclear deterrence has prevented another world war for the past eighty years and that it is time for Canada to participate to aid in the mutual assured destruction strategy that discourages hostile regimes from attempting a nuclear attack on North America.
The second reality is that Canadian military would benefit significantly by training with the US military and by employing the same weapons systems.
There is no question that enhanced training and weapons synchronization would enhance the joint defensive capabilities of both countries.
At present, the acquisition of military hardware in Canada is more a function of pork barreling than providing our armed forces with the armaments required.
While there are aspects of this unsavoury practice in the US, however, the US forces are far better armed than those of Canada.
Using ‘off-the -shelf’ US military hardware would enhance consistency in both training and operations.
In short, Canada’s best option for upping its military game is to make use of the American model and its resources.
In both cases Canadians are going to have to shuck the politically motivated chauvinism that has generated public resistance to nuclear capability as well as to greater military cooperation with the US.
Quebec can function on their own. They are effectively a country today. It's time to divorce.
Excellent idea Diane but politician's should not be in on the decisions made. Robert Reich's point..How about if Canada annexes Blue America?
Good piece. Can you check your email for a note tks p
World is a crazy place you never know what will happen next. Nice article but you wrote incompatible political and social system. You are right but in Trump world Canada's system gets thrown out and their system put in. Just as a state they would decide on their own health care system. That might make everyone to move to the "51state" Rich state with better health care. 😂
If you look at it from a satirical view Canada as the 51st state would be the richest state and could dictate policy in Washington. Especially if many come from other states to the 51st State. Power would lie in the 51Stt state Better deals this way 😂
Diane, Quebec is only an hour's drive from me. It is a delightful place to visit, but the separatist vibe (from British Canada)can be felt, even for a tourist, and some residents abhor English speakers. What might Quebec do in the case of a blending of societies?
An economic union won't affect their protectionist situation, but Quebec's language restrictions and attitudes will continue to shrink its economic and political importance within Canada.
Great point. Also it is inconceivable that an economic union with the US should continue to provide subsidies to Quebec to the tune of 14 million annually.
Thank you!
true its recent attack on mcgill and concordia universities reflects basic racism...quebecs bill 96 is yet another Example...quebec oing it alone???forget it ....already a beneficiary of huge equalization payments and favorable investment treatment by ottawa...their mistreatment of english quebecers would not be looked on favorably by the usa......
or the many FN's. huge outcry on the horizon.
The First Nations land claims issue is a complete debacle and unresolved. Trudeau has made it worse than ever.
How has Trudeau made it worse than ever?
FNs?
FN First Nations.
I am prepared to be patient enough to give President-Elect Trump time to see what his administration suggests we do, propses we do and how much he is prepared to see get done!
The research you do and the data you put together is excellent!! Thank you and have a prosperous and happy New Year!
Speaking of customs unions: I would love to see the resurrection of the suggestion that the Turks & Caicos Islands enter into such an arrangement with Canada. It was mooted twice in the past forty years but has obviously never come to fruition, darn it.
Kevin O’Leary is a legend in his own mind. He doesn’t speak for half of Canadians, that’s a laugh. He couldn’t get me to cross the street to hear whatever he had to say. He’s a puffed up blowhard, just like DJT. Go away Kev.
I like him...yes he is mouthy but certainly not mealy-mouthed. I just can't fault that.
The only good thing I can say about Kevin O’Leary is that he can play the guitar. He should stick to that.
dead wrong ....he has beautifuly described your hero trudeau
Speaking of “dead wrong”, not to mention, presumptuous, did I say Trudeau was my hero? No, I did not.
Very interesting. A Union sounds like a great idea.
Trumps „I take what I want“ bully logic explains his close buddy link with Putin.
Just show him the map of the natural resources of Ukraine: does he want Putin to have Ukraine’s natural and human resources ??
As a spoilt pre-Pubertarian child he will support Ukraine, to be the strongest in his sandbox
You bet tRUMP will keep UKR out of Russia's hands - he'll chat with his PUtin buddy - the response will be interesting . . .