Trump edition: The Canadians fighting back against annexation
Mar 21, 2025
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Mark MacKinnon, Senior International Correspondent at The Globe and Mail, shares insights on Canadian fury towards Trump's annexation rhetoric. He discusses how the current political climate is intensifying nationalism among Canadians and shaping their identity. The podcast explores the historical parallels with geopolitical tensions like those in Ukraine and critiques media portrayals of these issues. MacKinnon also highlights the unforeseen impacts of the ongoing tariff war on Canadian industries and the evolving dynamics of Canada-U.S. relations.
Canadians are expressing anger and fear over Trump's comments, which threaten their national sovereignty and identity amid political tensions.
The rise in Canadian nationalism showcases a strong desire to assert cultural identity distinct from American influence, influencing political dynamics.
Deep dives
The Shift to Monday.com
The ongoing struggle with outdated work platforms has led to frustrations like endless onboarding and IT bottlenecks, prompting users to seek solutions that cater to their needs more effectively. A notable alternative is Monday.com, which offers customizable workflows and visually appealing dashboards, igniting enthusiasm among users for a more streamlined experience. This shift reflects a broader trend of seeking out tools that enhance productivity and user satisfaction, indicating that individuals are tired of dealing with subpar systems. As such, this transition highlights the necessity for platforms that prioritize user experience and adaptability.
Canadian Sentiments on U.S. Political Commentary
The recent remarks made by Donald Trump regarding Canada’s political status have sparked deep emotional responses, particularly anger and fear among Canadians. Many express concerns about the implications of Trump’s comments as they parallel historical instances of territorial ambitions by larger powers, which raises alarms about sovereignty and identity. Notably, the viewpoint that the U.S. might see Canada as an extension of its territory generates significant distress, especially among Canadians who hold deep ties to their national identity. These sentiments underscore a perceived threat that many Canadians feel as they try to maintain their country's independence.
The Rise of Canadian Nationalism
In response to external political pressures, a surge of Canadian nationalism has emerged, with many citizens asserting their identity distinct from American influence. This newfound pride is not just a reaction, but a manifestation of long-standing values rooted in their culture and history, as Canadians strive to define what it means to be Canadian. The contrast with American politics accentuates the differences in social and governmental frameworks, fueling an intensified sense of belonging among Canadians. Notably, this shift occurs against a backdrop of threats perceived from the south, leading to a strong unifying bond among Canadians.
Political Consequences for Canada
The political landscape in Canada is experiencing notable shifts as concerns about U.S. policies and leadership grow, particularly with regard to Trump’s rhetoric. This atmosphere has led to a resurgence in support for the Liberal Party as Canadians rally around a familiar leadership that promises stability and cohesion amid rising tensions. Public sentiment paints a picture of unease, where the fear of alignment with more divisive American political styles has pushed people towards parties perceived as unifying. Given the current socio-political dynamics, this scenario could significantly alter the direction of Canadian politics as it grapples with its identity and relationships with neighboring states.
Canadians are angry, very angry. US president Donald Trump is not backing down from his annexation plans - and this week he even called the country "nasty".
On last week's episode, we looked at a small minority of Canadian separatists who said they would welcome Trump's plan to turn Canada into the 51st state. It caused quite a stir among our Canadian listeners. So on today's episode, we go back to Canada and look at the majority's view on Trump's expansionist plans and how the current crisis is affecting politics there in unusual ways ahead of new Prime Minister Mark Carney calling a snap election expected in April.
We hear first-hand from some of our Canadian listeners and Roland Oliphant is joined by Mark MacKinnon, senior international correspondent at Canadian broadsheet, The Globe and Mail.
Read:
'We want to live in America’s 51st state: The Canadians pledging their loyalty to Trump' by Memphis Barker: