Donald Trump News / Trump wants to merge Canada with America, is this possible?

Donald Trump: The discussion arising from a meeting between Donald Trump and Justin Trudeau has created a stir in the political corridors. According to media reports, Trump jokingly suggested to Trudeau that Canada should be made the 51st state of America, and Trump himself should become its governor. Although Trudeau laughed nervously at this comment, Trump has once again sparked a debate by addressing him as the governor of the "Great State of Canada" in his recent social media post.

This development has raised questions whether Trump really wants to merge Canada with the US. Also, is it legally and politically possible?

Is it possible for Canada to merge with the US?

The National Post spoke to two constitutional experts on this issue. Gregory Tardy of Canada and Roderick M. Hills, Jr. of the US explained it from different perspectives.

1. Constitutional and legal route

Gregory Tardy explained that if Canada or some part of it wants to join the US, it can be done constitutionally. Under Section 41 of Canada's 1982 Constitution Act, the process would require the consent of Parliament, Senate and all provincial assemblies.

Under Article IV, Section 3 of the US Constitution, the US Congress can decide to annex new territories by a simple vote. For example, Hawaii completed the process of becoming the 50th US state after a referendum in 1959.

2. Possibility of territorial purchase

Tardy said that in history, new states have also been formed through territorial purchases, such as the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. However, no part of Canada is "for sale", so this scenario is almost impossible.

3. Military invasion

The third and most unlikely way is a military invasion. Tardy says the US military could occupy Ottawa, but this scenario is impractical given the current international situation and relations between the two countries.

American expert's view

American expert Roderick M. Hills pointed out that the US has in history incorporated an independent nation as its state, such as Texas in 1845. He also pointed out that during the Revolution, the Continental Congress invited Canada to join the US, which Canada turned down.

Hills saw Trump's comments on the issue as a joke and said that the constitutional processes are so complicated that such possibilities are practically impossible.

Was Trump's statement just a joke?

Although Trump's statement was made in a light-hearted manner, his recent social media posts have made it a serious political discussion beyond a joke.

Can Canada and the US merge?

According to experts, it is legally and constitutionally possible, but it is extremely difficult and impractical to implement.

Constitutional processes: Both countries have to agree at many levels.

Sovereignty issue: It is almost impossible for an independent country like Canada to give up its sovereignty.

Political deadlock: The political structures and ideologies of the two countries are not conducive to a merger.

Conclusion

Donald Trump's remarks have reignited an old debate, but in practice the idea remains a fantasy. The political, cultural and constitutional differences between Canada and the US are so great that a merger does not seem possible under the present circumstances. However, such discussions are interesting to understand the relations and political outlook of the two countries.