To our southern neighbours,

Tomorrow, across all 50 states, millions of you will be celebrating 250 years since your country’s founding. Quite a milestone.

But exceptionally this year, Canadians will not be raising a glass to you — and you deserve an honest explanation as to why.

For over two centuries, our two nations built something rare: the longest undefended border in the world, mutually beneficial integrated economies, shared defence, and a friendship most of us took for granted far too long.

We fought alongside you against the Nazis in Europe, against the Communists in Korea, and against the Taliban in Afghanistan. We were on your side and, more often than not, you also were on ours.

For 250 years, we shared a special bond like no other countries in the world had — like brothers sharing a whole continent together.

But that relationship has been badly shaken over the past 18 months.

Trust, once broken, takes far longer to repair than it took to break it.

Trust, once broken, takes far longer to repair than it took to........

© Montreal Gazette