Canadian Unity Against Donald Trump's Annexation Bid Questionable as Nearly One in Five Conservatives Show Support
Canada's a land of pleasant myths, one of them being the nation's unified solidarity against a controversial American president. Many Canadians, however, aren't so keen on Mark Carney as he meets with the dominating Trump.
Some Canadians, still smarting from the Liberal Party's triumph in the recent election, will be rooting for the U.S. president, who keeps talking about erasing Canada's border. While Carney insists on Canada's sovereignty, Trump might still insist that Canada, having benefitted too much from the U.S., should join forces.
Although nationalism is on the rise, Trump has a reason to pursue his dream of a bigger empire.
Here's the hard truth Canadians try to hide: In some parts of Canada, the idea of joining the U.S. isn't as abhorrent as it should be.
Polls reveal that 18% of Conservative voters would like to swap "O Canada" for the "Star-Spangled Banner." Out West, the figure rises to 21% of Albertans who would say "yes" to being absorbed into Trump's version of the U.S., where cruelty and vindictiveness rule.
This isn't just about Quebec nationalists fighting for their identity; it's about a loud, uneasy swath of the West aspiring for more than just separation—they're pining for annexation.
For these Canadians, Trump offers a way out of feeling ignored by Eastern politicians. They resonate with Trump's pursuit of deregulation, independence, and rejection of progressivism, feeling abandoned by politicians catering to urban, liberal constituents.
Trump's rhetoric has also bolstered the perception that Canadian federalism is broken, fueling the belief that the powers-that-be are not listening. In this context, defeated Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre must confront his role in promoting a divisive narrative that has widened the rift and undermined trust in public institutions.
Trump's manipulations have certainly affected Canada. Like all demagogues, he thrives on finding vulnerability, and while most Canadians remain steadfast in their love for the Maple Leaf, cracks are beginning to show.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, affectionately dubbed the patron saint of separatists, embodies this discontent. Smith's "Alberta Sovereignty Act" is not just about affirming provincial rights; it's a clear rebuke of federalism and a challenge to the constitution.
This isn't about building pipelines or cutting taxes anymore; it's about stirring up a sense of Western grievance and turning Alberta into a perceived victim, alienated in its own country.
Despite the strong opposition, Canada faces a dire, yet plausible risk: fragmentation. With more Westerners seeing themselves as outsiders, the very notion of Canada as a unified nation might soon be under threat.
In this volatile climate, national leaders must address the disaffection in the West and work towards preserving Canada's delicate unity, rather than taking it for granted. Failure to act could lead to absurdities becoming the norm.
As for Trump, he's manipulating these vulnerabilities, vacillating between menacing threats and a grating grin. Canada must be wary, forTrump's dangerous ideologies could blur the lines between the absurd and the imaginable.
Sources:- The Canadian Press. "Poll shows support for Harper return as CPC leader soars." CP24, January 16, 2025.- Ipsos. "Public opinion tracking study on Canada-US border issues." Ipsos, January 16, 2025.- Angus Reid. "Canadian attitudes toward partition, regionalism, and unions." Angus Reid, January 14, 2025.- Léger. " Quebec opinion shows minimal support for joining the United States." Léger, December 10, 2024.- "Albertans would remain in 'an unyielding straitjacket' if oil-rich province secedes: expert." CBC News, February 2, 2022.- "New political parties advocate for Alberta's separation and annexation to the United States." Global News, July 1, 2019.
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- Despite Canadians' general solidarity against a controversial American president, some weren't so agreeable with Mark Carney's meeting with Trump.
- Polls indicate that 18% of Conservative voters in Canada would like to swap their national anthem for the American one, with the figure rising to 21% in Alberta.
- The idea of joining the U.S. isn't as abhorrent as it should be in some parts of Canada, according to hidden truths.
- Though nationalism is on the rise, Trump sees a reason to pursue his dream of a bigger empire, fueled by the fragmentation caused by controversial policies and legislation.
- The Liberal Party's triumph in the recent election may have left some Canadians rooting for Trump, who keeps talking about erasing Canada's border.
- Cracks are beginning to show in Canada as a result of Trump's manipulations, as hesitant Canadians start to question their loyalty to the Maple Leaf.
- In this context, defeated Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre must confront his role in promoting a divisive narrative that has widened the rift and undermined trust in public institutions.
- The "Alberta Sovereignty Act" proposed by Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is not just about affirming provincial rights; it's a clear rebuke of federalism and a challenge to the constitution.
- Alberta's Premier Smith, affectionately dubbed the patron saint of separatists, embodies this discontent in Western Canada.
- For some Canadians, Trump offers a way out of feeling ignored by Eastern politicians, resonating with his deregulation, independence, and rejection of progressivism.
- Due to the volatile climate, national leaders must address the disaffection in the West and work towards preserving Canada's delicate unity, rather than taking it for granted.
- Failure to act could lead to absurdities becoming the norm, as more Westerners see themselves as outsiders and the notion of Canada as a unified nation might soon be under threat.
- Apathy towards policy and legislation in Canada has allowed gambling trends, such as casino games, lotteries, and sports betting, to flourish in cities like Las Vegas.
- Casino personalities, like high-stakes poker players and big-win casino game champions, have become significant figures in general news, as they generate interest in the casino-culture and the glamour associated with gambling.
- The gaming industry's influence can be felt in the policy-making process, raising questions about responsible gambling and its impact on various aspects of society, including crime and justice.
- Sports, like football, soccer, baseball, hockey, golf, basketball, tennis, and racing, also contribute to the gambling trends, with events such as the Champions League, NFL, WNBA, NCAABasketball, MLB, NHL, and Premier League becoming popular sports-betting options.
- The success of European leagues in attracting global fans and investments has sparked discussions about sports analysis, auto-racing, and mixed-martial-arts becoming mainstream.
- The future of sports betting is uncertain, as some advocates lobby for regulation to protect consumers and ensure fair practices, while others believe in maintaining the freedom to gamble.
- Despite the gaming industry's economic contributions, concerns over its influence on war-and-conflicts and its relationship with crime and justice persist.
- The fragmentation within Canada, caused by contentious politics, has led some to question whether the nation can remain united in its support for policy and legislation related to casino-and-gambling, crime-and-justice, and sports.
- Meanwhile, the spectacle of the Masters, Grand Prix, and Horse Racing continues to captivate audiences, proving that the allure of glamour, competition, and rituals transcends cultural and political differences.
- In this complex landscape, where policy and politics intertwine with entertainment and sport, it remains to be seen whether Canadians can find common ground and create a more agreeable future for the nation.
- As the political landscape continues to evolve, Canadians must engage in thoughtful discourse about the role of nationalism, fragmentation, and the gaming industry in shaping their shared destiny.
- The increasing popularity of casino-games and sports-betting has sparked debates on the ethical implications of gambling, as well its potential impact on social cohesion and public policy.
- As Canada navigates its political landscape, it remains vital for its citizens to prioritize open dialogue, shared values, and responsible decision-making in order to preserve the nation's unity and prosperity.
