‘Let me be clear from the outset: the idea of Canada becoming part of the United States is unrealistic. Neither country would willingly surrender its sovereignty’
To the editor:
Practical Approaches Over Empty Talk: Navigating a Realistic Path to Stronger US-Canada Economic Relations
I am writing about the present-day relationship between the United States and Canada. Having spent roughly half of my adult life in each country- and now, in my eighties – I believe I bring somewhat of a unique perspective.
I was born and raised in North Bay, spent thirty years working in the GTA, and later relocated to North Carolina, where I currently reside.
I have always believed that unless you’ve lived in both countries, it’s difficult to truly grasp their nuances. The similarities are immediately apparent, but the subtleties take time to recognize.
Let me be clear from the outset: the idea of Canada becoming part of the United States is unrealistic. Neither country would willingly surrender its sovereignty. While the U.S. and Canada share a remarkably similar culture, they remain separate nations – historically allies and trading partners, each with its own legal frameworks and political systems.
The future of the Canada–United States relationship should be guided by pragmatism rather than rhetoric. Political union is neither realistic nor desirable, but deeper economic integration is both achievable and sensible.
Canadian-American businessman Kevin O’Leary has made a compelling case for closer economic ties between the two countries, calling for an end to tariffs and urging both nations to “think bigger.” He emphasizes that cooperation- not the loss of sovereignty- would allow the North American economy to thrive and send a powerful message to the world.
Consider the European Union: as the world’s largest trade bloc and a leading exporter of goods and services, its success stems from the free trade enabled by a single market. If more than twenty countries with diverse languages and cultures can create a thriving economic union, then bringing together two nations that share a common language, culture, and border should, by comparison, be much simpler.
Amid growing global competition and the reevaluation of supply chains, the United States and Canada have a unique chance to enhance shared prosperity by building on existing strengths. And imagine the benefits of a system that allows us to live, work, and travel freely across borders, for as long as we wish.
Ian Saunders
Denver NC