A letter sent by a Maine state senator to a select number of Canadian Conservative members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) in several provinces, unbeknown to most Americans, has done massive damage to Canadian/U.S. relations and now almost irreparable damage to the state of Maine. There is now talk of an active boycott of your state by provincial premiers across Canada, which means all products from Maine will be boycotted.

As a Canadian, I am deeply insulted by this letter; it confirms the USA’s attitude toward Canadians. I think a deeper investigation and reporting on this issue is in order, as I would believe many Americans would be as deeply insulted that an American politician would insert himself into Canadian politics advocating, in Canadian eyes, treason.

I do not think that the average American can even begin to understand how deep the damage to Canadian/American relations has become under the U.S. president through his tariff actions and his 51st state rhetoric. Now, Sen. Joseph Martin has just thrown gasoline onto the fire.

In Canada, if a Canadian politician had sent such a letter, he would be compelled to resign his/her seat.

Donald Johnston
Delta, B.C., Canada