Join the U.S.? No way, say most Canadians surveyed. But nearly a quarter may be open to it

Two recent surveys conducted by Abacus Data and the Angus Reid Institute have shed light on Canadians’ opinions regarding the suggestion made by U.S. president-elect Donald Trump about the possibility of Canada becoming the 51st state of the United States. While the majority of Canadians strongly oppose this idea, a significant minority remains open to exploring the concept.

The Angus Reid poll surveyed both Canadians and Americans, asking them how they would vote in a referendum on Canada joining the U.S. The results showed that only one out of 10 Canadians supported the idea, with 90 percent opposed. On the American side, about a quarter of respondents expressed support for the merger, while 49 percent were against it.

In contrast, the Abacus Data survey found that 70 percent of Canadians were against the idea of Canada becoming part of the United States, with 24 percent open to exploring it and only six percent in full support. The survey also revealed that Conservative party supporters were more likely to support the merger, with 25 percent open to the idea compared to 13 percent of Liberal supporters.

Political affiliations played a significant role in shaping opinions, with NDP, Liberal, and Bloc Québécois voters overwhelmingly opposed to the merger, while 80 percent of Conservative voters expressed opposition. By region, the idea of Canada joining the U.S. received the most support in Alberta, with 18 percent of respondents in favor. In contrast, Quebec had the highest proportion of respondents (77 percent) who were adamantly against the idea.

Despite offers of financial incentives, such as $20,000 or $60,000 from Trump, the majority of Canadians remained steadfast in their opposition to the merger. Additionally, a significant portion of Canadians expressed skepticism about Trump’s intentions, with one-third believing that he is serious about having Canada join the U.S. and three-in-five Canadians distrusting his pledge not to use military force to achieve this goal.

For those Americans who supported the merger, a majority believed that Canadians should have the final say in the matter, although a small percentage advocated for military intervention. Overall, the surveys highlight the division of opinions among Canadians and Americans regarding the possibility of Canada becoming part of the United States.

The results of the surveys provide valuable insights into the sentiments of Canadians towards the idea of a Canada-U.S. merger, showcasing a clear divide between those who vehemently oppose the notion and those who are open to exploring it. These differing perspectives reflect the complexity of the issue and the importance of considering various factors, including political affiliations and regional differences, when discussing the potential union between the two countries.