- Fox News host Jesse Watters suggested the U.S. should annex Canada, calling it a “privilege” for Canada, but Ontario Premier Doug Ford firmly rejected the idea.
- Watters highlighted Canada’s natural resources and geography as benefits, while Ford emphasized Canadians’ pride in independence and the importance of trade agreements instead.
- The discussion follows similar remarks from Donald Trump, who proposed Canada as the U.S.’s 51st state, facing strong opposition from Canadian leaders.
Fox News host Jesse Watters stirred debate by suggesting that Canada should consider it “a privilege to be taken over” by the United States. During his Tuesday evening show, Jesse Watters Primetime, Watters proposed the idea of the U.S. annexing Canada, framing it as an opportunity for both nations. However, his remarks drew firm resistance from Ontario Premier Doug Ford, who rejected the possibility outright.
Jesse Watters tries to convince Doug Ford that Canada and the US should merge.
Think of it as a coming together Watters says to Ford.— Brian Lilley (@brianlilley) January 8, 2025
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Watters Advocates for U.S.-Canada Merger
Watters opened the segment by expressing his past fascination with the idea of incorporating Canada into the United States. He highlighted Canada’s vast natural resources, expanded geography, and dominance in winter sports as enticing benefits. “I’d still like to add stars to our flag,” Watters declared, adding that Saskatchewan and Alberta seemed “ripe for the picking.” Using rhetoric aimed at uniting the two countries, Watters attempted to frame annexation as a “merger” rather than a takeover.
Doug Ford Rejects U.S. Annexation Proposal
When Watters introduced Ford to the show, the Ontario Premier immediately pushed back against the suggestion. Ford voiced admiration for Americans but firmly stated, “That property is not for sale. It’s as simple as that.” He instead emphasized the importance of collaboration through trade agreements, saying, “We can come together on a great trade deal.”
In response, Watters argued that Americans would see it as a privilege for another country to join the U.S., pointing out that many people worldwide vie for American citizenship. Ford, however, remained resolute, asserting Canadians’ pride in their independence: “We’re proud Canadians, just like there are proud Americans.”
Trump’s Recent Push for Canada as the 51st State
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This exchange comes as President-elect Donald Trump has repeatedly floated the idea of annexing Canada. Trump recently claimed that many Canadians support becoming the 51st state, citing potential tax savings and military benefits. “51st State!!!” he exclaimed in a social media post last month. However, the proposition has faced strong opposition from Canadian leaders, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who firmly responded, “There isn’t a snowball’s chance in hell that Canada would become part of the United States.”
Broader Implications of Watters’ Comments
Watters’ remarks reflect a recurring narrative in U.S.-Canada relations, where cultural and political differences often come into focus despite close geographical ties. Critics argue that such rhetoric trivializes Canada’s sovereignty and identity. Meanwhile, proponents of closer ties between the nations see potential in stronger economic and military collaborations.
The debate over U.S.-Canada relations continues to spark heated discussions. Should Canada remain steadfast in its independence, or could closer ties with the U.S. offer mutual benefits? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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First of all,Trudeau has no right to speak on this as a leader of Canada since he resigned in total disgrace as the Prime Minister.
Second, a choice of this magnitude needs to allow all Canadians to have a say in it not just a few self serving provincial and federal leaders whose only interests lie in the little empires they’re building for themselves.
Third,Ford saying that there are Canadians proud of their independence as there are Americans proud of theirs is his opinion. He has absolutely no idea how many Canadians value their independence over how many Canadians would agree to a merger with the US. Also, Ford can only speak for the province he is the leader of. He does not speak for any other provinces or territories.
Canada has been a neighbour (Canadian spelling) to the US for many decades and yet our countries still squabble back and forth about silly traded goods.
A huge number of Canadian flock over the US border every year for vacations and shopping trips, not to mention those seeking some warm relief from the Canadian winters.
It is just my opinion, but I think both countries could positively benefit from having one military, one common border, one monetary system, imagine how skilled having one hockey team for international tournaments would be, and a sharing of the vast natural resource we both have.