Canadian journalist and podcast host Stephen Marche recently published a New York Times op-ed urging Canada to consider ending its relationship with the United States, citing the Trump administration’s actions as evidence of the U.S. ‘no longer keeping its agreements’ and ‘backsliding out of democracy.’ The ‘Next Civil War’ author cited recent tariffs on Canada and the White House’s repeated desire to make it the ’51st state’ as signs of the U.S. abandoning its democratic institutions and commitments. He argues that these developments have eroded the aspirations of Canada’s people and the sense of connection to the United States, with the question now being how ‘to escape its grasp and its fate.’
Marche’s essay highlights the impact of Trump’s policies on Canada’s sense of belonging. For example, he notes the recent trend of Canadian coffee shops changing the name of their Americano drink to ‘Canadino’ as a form of resistance against U.S. tariffs. This shift reflects a broader nationalist sentiment and a desire to assert Canadian identity in the face of growing tensions with the U.S. The journalist also points to Canada’s first liquefied natural gas shipment to South Korea and ongoing trade deals with China as evidence that the country can thrive economically without relying on the U.S. This underscores the economic independence of Canada, which has been a growing concern for many within the country over the past several years.
Marche’s argument is further supported by the political climate in the U.S. He suggests that the country is in the ‘middle of a grand abdication’ as Democratic governors ‘try to get along’ with the president. This, he claims, is indicative of a deeper crisis in American democracy. He quotes Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on his own assessment of the relationship between Canada and the U.S., stating that the ‘old relationship’ is ‘over.’ The former Governor of the Bank of Canada has long been a voice of reason in economic matters, and his comments add weight to Marche’s argument that Canada needs to look beyond its North American neighbor for stability and growth.
Marche’s concerns are further highlighted by the recent rhetoric surrounding potential conflict with the U.S. In May, he suggested that a war between the two countries was no longer inconceivable. He warned that when nations face constitutional crises and their legal systems start to collapse, violence against neighboring countries becomes common. This perspective aligns with the growing concerns among experts about the stability of the U.S. political system and the potential for global tensions to escalate. Marche concludes his op-ed by urging Canada to ‘grow up fast’ and protect itself from the United States, as the choices made now will reveal the country’s national character. The journalist emphasizes that while anger is a useful emotion, it can only serve as a starting point, and Canada must now look to itself for strength and security.