In spite of repeated and strongly worded rejections from Canada, the U.S. president continues to voice his desire to have Canada become the 51st American state.
These comments, ongoing since November, came across first as odd, then as annoying and now as putrid, repulsive repetitions.
Canada has said no, not just once but many times. No, it does not mean maybe or later. No means no.
The Government of Canada is not interested in giving up this country鈥檚 sovereignty to become part of its neighbour. Numerous polls have shown the overwhelming majority of Canadians do not wish to see their country become an American state.
This should be enough.
In any personal interactions, it would be considered extremely bad form to pursue a relationship with someone who has repeatedly rejected those advances.
The 鈥淣o means No鈥� message has been emphasized for decades.
It should be just as simple to understand in other settings as well, including international relations.
And yet, around the same time as King Charles III was giving the throne speech in Ottawa, the U.S. president once again spoke of having Canada become the 51st American state.
It鈥檚 time to put these comments aside. There鈥檚 nothing funny, sweet or cute about continuing to pursue an unwanted relationship. It鈥檚 creepy and disturbing.
The vast majority of Canadians have rejected the idea of joining the U.S., and repeating the 51st state rhetoric will do nothing to improve Canada-U.S. relations.
It is hard to see any positive outcome from the U.S. president鈥檚 repeated comments.
The more he doubles down on his calls for Canadian statehood, the more Canadians will show their national pride in this country.
Already, Canadians have been making efforts to shop for products and services from within this country or to avoid American goods and services. Canadian travel to the U.S. is down from previous years, and American communities are already noticing this shift.
And, while Canadians have long had an identity separate from the United States, this identity has become more pronounced in recent months.
If the tone were to change, and if the American president were to suggest partnerships rather than annexing Canada, things would change.
As it is, there is an uneasiness felt on this side of the international border.
As long as the 51st state comments continue, an uncomfortable tension will remain.
鈥� Black Press
