"Canada ceases to exist"

Well, maybe so, but again, the culture has to be common. I was thinking myself of the wave of unification in Europe in the 19th century but it's not a universal phenomenon, as you say.

 

As to Quebec independence, that would depend upon whether Ottawa decided to permit it. They might. I don't see the U.S. supporting Quebec and without that, their position would be difficult to impossible.

 

I think this thinking was already rebuked, but also: sometimes "similar cultures" similarities are greatly exaggerated. As someone who grew up Russophone (now regretting that, but it was what it was), I decidedly and very adamantly reject any kind of "closer relationship" with a toxic entity headquartered in Kremlin.

(A separate notion accepted by too many is Russia and Ukraine "sharing culture"; that is and always was an invented and heavily promoted lie, invented for the ethnic German Imperial house and advanced by Bolshevik thugs. That is a relationship between the oppressor and the oppressed, even though the oppressed was one of the oppressor's parents it time immemorial).

 

Nonetheless: still less of a stretch. Also will not happen, but at least they have their own identity and are referred to as a "nation" in mainstream Canadian discourse.

 

Repeatedly threatening to end Canadian sovereignty – and until then to inflict severe economic pain on Canadians – has almost immediately made Canadian nationalism the loudest it's been in generations and Canadian opposition to the White House the loudest it's been in Canada's existence as a country. (Since 1867; the War of 1812 while fought by many Canadians was governed from London.)

 

True! Also, so what?

 

A few weeks ago the Conservative Party had a basically Trump-friendly platform and a huge polling lead approaching the election sometime in 2025. After nine years and three elections Canadians were tired of Trudeau for reasons local to Canada.

Now the Conservatives are distancing themselves from Trump, the Liberals are choosing a new leader but Trudeau's approval has rehabilitated, and the Liberals and the other major parties all with Trump-unfriendly platforms have new momentum.

Trump was headed to a win in Canada until he started talking.

 

I hate to quibble, but Germany conquered Austria. It just did it without a shooting war. Not as bad as the Sudetenland and Czechoslovakia, but not exactly a merger. Had Austria resisted, Hitler would have invaded just the same.

But even if we accept it as a merger, it's a one-off.

 

Well, the whole history of the German Empire comprises similar "one offs".

 

Indeed, the European Union is an example of the sort of merger and accretion I'm talking about.

 

I think it's reasonable to conclude that in the modern Earth, countries split. They do not unite.

 

Trump tariffs 'made something snap in us' - many Canadians see US rift beyond repair (Nadine Yousif, BBC News, February 5, 2025)

 

The former (Conservative) Prime Minister of Canada has just published this:

Link: https://archive.is/1yeTY

"I have repeatedly said that Canada’s alliance, partnership, and friendship with the United States is one of our country’s greatest assets. However, given a contrary American perspective, our focus now should not be on pursuing a deeper economic and security partnership. At this stage, whatever comes next from the President, Canada must avoid further dependency on the United States. I say this because the preservation of Canada’s existence must be our highest objective. I do not assume that such a belief is universal, particularly if the cost is high. But it should be, and we need leaders who share that belief, who oppose the woke denigration of Canada, and who are prepared to see this fight through to victory. Our distinct history, identity, and cultures are worth preserving.

Our competitiveness agenda must be focussed on opportunities and incomes for working Canadian families, not just the economic one per cent. The elitist priorities of Canada’s current leaders in monetary policy, deficits, immigration, climate, and many other areas have already fuelled inflation, doubled housing costs, and created the worst growth in the G7."

 

The second Trump administration is barely one month old. It's amazing to me that in such a short time he's been able to so alienate our best friends in the world. The next 3 years and 11 months are going to make matters much worse.

 

I'm two parties to the left of Stephen Harper in Canadian politics. I agree with much of what he writes in the article, and with probably the most important operative points. As to the disagreements, there's need and room for different expressions of Canadian patriotism for his faction of Canadians, mine, and others.

 

Okay, three or four parties to the left if it's a line including the Bloc and Greens!

 

Pushing away our allies weakens our national security. This is axiomatic.

 

Trump’s 51st state rhetoric and his trade war now constitute a destabilization campaign against Canada.

The destabilization campaign and the awakened Canadian nationalism now overwhelm the United States’ closest and what was four months ago its friendliest economic, security, and social and cultural relationship.

Serious escalation of the conflict is possible, as is de-escalation.