The Spire

Sean Rego ‘26

Opinions Editor

Studying abroad in the United Kingdom, I have been privileged with the opportunity of growing my appreciation for our fellow English-speaking countries across the globe. As an American, I feel an affinity to the likes of Great Britain, Ireland, and Australia out of our shared language, history and values. We read much of the same literature, sing to the same songs and often fight the same battles. No truer is this than with our neighbor to the north, Canada. 

Although it may be obvious to many reading, I do not think most understand how incredibly cordial the relationship between the Dominion of Canada and the United States of America has historically been. Despite our massive border and boundless coastlines, North America has become a fortress against the despots beyond, and it is only possible with the tacit respect we have with Canada. For the last two centuries, this cordiality has seldom been challenged. 

But with recent events, largely enacted by the Trump Administration’s rather arrogant threats against Canadian sovereignty, this relationship has been damaged. This has, rather ironically, strengthened the Canadian identity immensely, giving it the perfect reason to ditch American dependence. This is not to say Canada will fully sever herself from American markets–that is near impossible all things considered–but the nation surely will feel a new sense of national consciousness. 

In the Canadian West, some districts are reportedly reinstating “God Save the King” in schools, harkening the roots of the nation-state. More broadly, Canadians are purposefully buying domestic goods and reconstructing a Canadian character that’s thus far been dormant. Considering that Canada is about to have a general election, it is also interesting to see all parties promoting the sovereignty and strength of Canada (even the nominally pro-independence Bloc Québecois). Likewise, Canadian tourists are even avoiding travel to the United States in droves. 

Perhaps this is the move needed to be made. Since the 1990s, one could question the existence of Canada as a nation and perhaps cite its failures therein. The constant battle between British and American influence, the divide between Liberals and Conservatives, and, of course, the looming threat of provincial separatism—these all seriously challenged the rationale behind Canadian existence. Now Canadians are offered the chance, albeit in distasteful circumstances, to reinvent themselves. 

A new leader for Canada can mean all the difference. Both current Liberal Prime Minister Mark Carney and Conservative Leader of the Opposition Pierre Poileivre have potential to guide Canada through this uncertain but opportune time. It is my belief that–regardless of the very different policies of the two men–both will and must forge Canadian identity that’s been lost for decades. This surely can push back against Donald Trump’s curious vision, but critically against more worrisome threats that challenge the Western sphere as a whole. 

Beyond the fact that I’ve grown up with Canadian family and have enjoyed Canadian culture, I know the immense sacrifice our fellow English-speaking nations have endured, from the trenches of Ypres to the beaches of Normandy, they’ve fought for freedom just like us. Canada is not a nation to be degraded, it bears the fruits of Anglo-Saxon democracy in a way that complements American constitutional republicanism. To lose this relationship would be a sobering and pessimistic foreshadowing of the West’s future. To end my rather loose thoughts assembled here, I will harken to the bygone anthem of Canada, which perhaps may be useful in resurrecting her grand identity and her fraternity with America:

“And may those ties of love be ours, Which discord cannot sever, And flourish green for freedom’s home: The Maple Leaf Forever!”

Featured image courtesy of Google Images