Canada is more than a 51st state. By area, Canada is the second largest country in the world. It has 10 provinces (plus three territories). Eight of the 10 provinces have populations larger than four states (Wyoming, Vermont, Alaska and North Dakota). Ontario’s population is larger than every state except California, Texas, Florida and New York. Nine of the 10 provinces have total areas larger than 23 states (including Maine). It would be much more appropriate to make Canada the 51st through the 60th states!

Historically, Canada has leaned left-of-center politically with a robust safety net and highly tolerant social policies. With a population of 40 million (compared to California’s 39 million and Texas’s 30 million), the addition of Canada’s population would result in a profound reallocation of House seats among states and significantly skew the House to the left.

A bigger impact would occur in the Senate. As the 51st state, Canada would add two lean-progressive seats to the closely divided Senate. As the 51st through 60th states, Canada would add a whopping 20 lean-progressive seats to the Senate.

Expropriating Canada falls solidly into the realm of “Be careful what you wish for.” If President Trump ever thinks through this notion, he probably would be happier if the people of Canada successfully resist his unwelcome advances.

Thomas Baiocchi
New Gloucester