Canada as the 51st State? | The Agenda

Canada as the 51st State? | The Agenda

Incoming U.S. president Donald Trump likely has at least some Canadians wondering, what if we did become the 51st state? How would our lives be different? Could we maintain our distinctive and different customs?

For insight into this hypothetical, we welcome: Laura Dawson, executive director of the Future Borders Coalition, a self-described bi-national organization promoting a cohesive vision of the U.S.-Canada border based on the principles of efficiency, safety, and security; Jeffrey Simpson, for more than three decades, the national affairs columnist at the Globe and Mail, and author of eight books; and Kathleen Wynne, 25th premier of Ontario, now teaching public policy at the University of Toronto's Victoria and Trinity Colleges.

00:00 - Intro
01:07 - Trump’s social media threats to Canada
02:46 - “We have very important policy differences.”
03:35 - “Every statement in that quote is factually wrong.”
05:04 - “Honestly, it was a gut punch.”
06:18 - How should Canada respond?
08:41- Fundamental demographic, political, historical differences
10:54 - A though experiment on a merger
13:37 - “Our quality of life would change radically.”
15:16 - Renegotiating NAFTA in Trump’s first term
16:10 - Are there benefits to a merger?
18:49 - Quality of life Canada vs. U.S.
20:13 - Canada’s social safety net
20:41 - Canada’s distinct society protections
21:57 - Ontario Premier Ford: “It’s not realistic.”
25:04 - A mutual interest in border issues
29:59 - Conclusion

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The Agenda with Steve Paikin is TVO Today's flagship current affairs program, devoted to exploring the social, political, cultural and economic issues that are changing our world. We consistently offer a diversity of viewpoints and in-depth analysis of what lies behind the headlines. See more about The Agenda with Steve Paikin at https://www.tvo.org/theagenda