Reflecting on Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s recent visit to the White House, I was struck by a comment President Trump made on True Society just ahead of Carney’s arrival.
Trump pointed out to some that America subsidizes Canada to the tune of $200 billion annually while also providing military protection. He questioned why Canada doesn’t need to supply cars or energy, stating that the U.S. doesn’t rely on Canadian materials.
Personally, I’ve always considered Canada like a second home. My family moved from Scotland to Nova Scotia over a century ago, and then to Boston, where I was born. I’ve traveled to Canada countless times, and I have relatives scattered across the country. I truly appreciate both the people and the nation.
What’s especially appealing? The warmth and kindness of its citizens. After all, Canada has long been one of our closest allies.
However, the “Trump era” changed things. It seemed that many, especially on the Canadian left, lost their way regarding Trump. Without diving into specifics, I personally encountered this climate in September 2019, so it’s fair to say that “Trump Madness” seems just as real in Canada.
At that time, I wrote a piece for the Toronto Star titled “Canadians’ judgments as hatred towards Donald Trump.” In it, I cited a rather alarming tweet from former Prime Minister Kim Campbell during Hurricane Dorian when she expressed a wish for it to strike Trump’s home in Florida. She later labeled it “sarcasm,” but it reflected a troubling sentiment amongst some former leaders who seemed to condone harm against millions just because of political differences.
Sadly, the backlash didn’t stop there. I learned that the Star faced considerable backlash for my article. Many on the left in Toronto and across Canada responded with significant anger. It appeared that expressing any sane or rational perspective about Trump was simply not acceptable.
Turning back to Trump’s comments, aside from the fact that he’s arguably the most successful businessman to hold the presidency, he brings up a point about U.S. support for Canada worth billions. Over decades, those values surely surpass a trillion dollars.
Some may dismiss this as presidential exaggeration, but the reality is difficult to refute. Yet, admitting Trump could be right about any point is still a challenge for many.
To explore this further, let’s consider Canadian journalism, particularly CBC, which has produced content discussing whether Trump’s statement about Canada being a military free rider holds weight. Evidence has surfaced showing Canada hasn’t contributed its fair share while relying on U.S. military protection, as highlighted by major Canadian media.
Whether for or against Trump, it’s evident he has a point about Canada benefiting from American goodwill. It’s a stark truth.
However, this relationship could shift, as evidenced by Trump’s recent significant trade deal with the UK. Canada has remained a loyal ally for years, but with these ongoing trade discussions, it may soon become an even more equitable partner.
