Gloves Off Stephen Marche & Margaret Atwood Extended Interview
Aug 19, 2025
Margaret Atwood, an award-winning novelist known for The Handmaid's Tale, engages in a sharp conversation about Canadian sovereignty amid U.S. influence. She explores Canada’s historical refuge status and warns against complacency in institutional development. Discussing existential threats and the implications of automation, Atwood emphasizes the importance of civic engagement and a national reset. With surprising optimism, she celebrates Canadian resilience and the need for rejuvenated nationalism to navigate future challenges.
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Quebec’s Revolutionary Refusal
- Margaret Atwood recalls early American attempts to recruit or invade Quebec during the Revolution and how Quebec refused to join the U.S. because they feared losing language and religion.
- She uses these historical episodes to show cross-border dynamics are longstanding and complex.
Economic Influence Not Military Invasion
- Atwood argues a full-scale U.S. invasion of Canada would be silly but economic disruption is likely as America destabilizes global markets.
- She links past free-trade debates to recurring fears of economic dependence on the U.S.
Canada As Historical Refuge
- Atwood recounts Canada’s history as a refuge: for enslaved people before the Civil War and for American draft dodgers during Vietnam.
- She notes people still consider moving to Canada when U.S. politics become threatening.
