Canada’s Western Provinces React to U.S. President’s Controversial Proposal for Annexation
CALGARY, Alberta – As President Donald Trump arrives in western Canada for this year’s Group of Seven summit, a vocal minority enthusiastically embraces his provocative suggestion of incorporating parts of Canada into the United States as a 51st state.
Widespread Canadian Disapproval and Unexpected Patriotism
Across the majority of Canada, Trump’s remarks about annexation have sparked widespread outrage. His confrontational stance has ignited displays of patriotic fervor that are uncommon in the country. In Calgary’s downtown district, stores specializing in Canadian souvenirs, such as maple syrup and flag merchandise, report a notable increase in sales of Canadian-flag lapel pins. A local bookstore prominently displays a sign reading “Proudly Canadian,” reflecting a surge in national pride.
Emergence of a Pro-U.S. Independence Movement in Alberta
However, Trump’s expansionist rhetoric has also invigorated a movement advocating for Alberta’s independence, dubbed “Make Alberta Great Again.” This faction, primarily in western Canada, feels alienated by the federal government, which they accuse of suppressing the oil and gas sector-the backbone of their economy. For many supporters, Trump’s talk of joining the U.S. is not merely provocative but a beacon of hope for lower taxes, Second Amendment rights, and the pursuit of the American Dream.
Grassroots Supporters Gather to Discuss Potential Statehood
At the Red Deer Curling Center, approximately 90 miles north of Calgary, hundreds of Albertans convened on Saturday to voice their frustrations with Ottawa at an event organized by Rebel News, a right-wing media outlet. Attendees donned “Make Alberta Great Again” caps in red or black, and provincial flags fluttered from trucks parked outside. The crowd responded enthusiastically as a speaker, standing before a black curtain partially obscuring the rink’s scoreboard, laid out arguments for transforming Alberta into the 51st U.S. state.
Personal Perspectives: The Desire for Greater Freedoms
Jacob Fraser, a 37-year-old vendor selling Resistance Coffee at the gathering, expressed his excitement over Trump’s annexation proposals. He views joining the United States as an opportunity to secure more freedoms-particularly in speech and gun rights-and to expand his entrepreneurial ventures.
“Our ties with the U.S. are strong, and as Albertans, we often share more values with Americans than with the rest of Canada,” Fraser explained. “For many of us, this moment feels hopeful and historic, full of potential.”
National Sentiment and Political Ramifications
Despite the enthusiasm among a vocal minority, the broader Canadian population remains largely opposed. The backlash against Trump’s comments played a significant role in Prime Minister Mark Carney’s surprising victory in late April, reversing a prior lead held by the Conservative Party before Trump’s provocative statements intensified tensions.
According to a January YouGov poll, roughly 15 percent of Canadians support the idea of joining the U.S., with support slightly higher in prairie provinces like Alberta-often called “Canada’s Texas”-where some residents feel a stronger cultural and political affinity with American conservatives than with their fellow Canadians.
Western Canada’s Growing Discontent and Calls for Referendum
Supporters of Alberta’s potential independence are part of a larger movement of western Canadians feeling disconnected from federal policies. Their presence is visible through billboards and wristbands bearing “AB USA,” symbolizing their desire for closer ties with the U.S.
Shawn Harvey, a 52-year-old oil tanker driver from Edmonton, exemplifies this sentiment. Wearing a red, white, and blue hockey jersey emblazoned with the number 51 and Trump’s “Drill Baby Drill” slogan, Harvey has consulted immigration lawyers about seeking political asylum in the U.S. He’s even willing to swap places with Americans fleeing Trump’s second term, expressing a readiness to renounce his Canadian citizenship.
Historical Context of Western Alienation
Western provinces like Alberta and Saskatchewan, rich in resources such as oil, natural gas, potash, and uranium, have long experienced fluctuating feelings of discontent with Ottawa. These sentiments intensified after the 2019 federal elections, where Justin Trudeau’s Liberals failed to secure a majority in Alberta, despite winning enough seats elsewhere to form a government.
This year, Liberal support in Alberta plummeted to just 28 percent, raising questions about Prime Minister Carney’s ability to address regional grievances. He has promised to position Canada as a global leader in energy, emphasizing both clean and conventional sources, in an effort to win over prairie voters.
Potential for Referendum and the Reality of Secession
Alberta may hold a referendum as early as next year to determine whether residents favor independence from Canada. While current polls show limited support for secession, recent legislation has simplified the process for citizens to initiate constitutional votes.
Nevertheless, experts like Duane Bratt, a political science professor at Mount Royal University, believe that outright separation remains unlikely. Even if a referendum were successful, joining the U.S. would face significant legal and political hurdles, including opposition from other Canadian provinces and the U.S. Congress, which must approve any new state admission.
Secession Advocates’ Perspective: An Inevitable Breakup?
Proponents of independence argue that a split from Canada is inevitable and see U.S. annexation as the optimal solution to economic and security challenges. Peter Downing, a prominent separatist from Edmonton and former leader of the Wexit movement, has long advocated for Alberta’s independence, even purchasing a billboard in 2019 asking, “Should Alberta join the U.S.?” featuring Trump’s image.
Following Trump’s 2020 election loss, Downing expanded his efforts, engaging with U.S. conservatives and visiting Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate, where he narrowly missed meeting the former president.
The Origins of the 51st State Idea and Political Dynamics
It remains unclear how Trump’s annexation idea originated. A White House official indicated that the concept emerged spontaneously and is driven by the belief that both Americans and Canadians would benefit from such a union. Trump’s mention of making Canada the 51st state has since inspired billboards and online campaigns advocating for Alberta’s U.S. membership, citing lower taxes and enhanced security as key benefits.
Official Stances and Growing Tensions
Despite the enthusiasm among some supporters, Alberta’s provincial leadership, including Premier Danielle Smith, has publicly opposed the idea of joining the U.S. or seceding from Canada. The debate is expected to intensify during Trump’s visit, which has already sparked protests and calls for restrictions on his entry, citing inadmissibility issues related to criminal records.
Economic Boycotts and Rising Canadian-Made Goods
In response to the political climate, some Canadians are boycotting U.S. products and travel. Grocery store stickers now highlight locally made goods, and sales of Canadian apparel, such as T-shirts emblazoned with patriotic slogans, have surged. Calgary-based clothing retailer Local Laundry reports a doubling of sales year-over-year, driven by consumers eager to support domestic manufacturing.
Similarly, Process Color Print, a Calgary company specializing in flag production, has experienced a significant increase in sales of Canadian and provincial flags, especially after Trump’s comments. Many residents are displaying flags in windows or on their homes, reflecting a rising sense of national pride amid political tensions.
As the debate over Alberta’s future continues, the region’s complex relationship with both Canada and the United States remains a defining feature of its political landscape, with the potential for significant changes on the horizon.
