Last week, President Trump once again floated the idea of Canada becoming the 51st American state, arguing that U.S. protection is necessary to counter growing threats from Russia and China. Initially dismissed as a joke or a provocation aimed at Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, the persistence of Trump’s rhetoric is beginning to take on the aura of an actual political aspiration.

This renewed suggestion has sparked a fresh wave of reactions from Canadians (and full disclosure: I grew up in Canada). At Niagara Falls, the iconic landmark straddling the U.S.-Canadian border, visitors recently expressed their unwavering pride in Canada’s distinct identity and longstanding amicable relationship with America. However, they also made it crystal clear that the idea of annexation is not only unrealistic but fundamentally offensive — serving only to reinforce Canada’s commitment to its sovereignty and self-determination.

A message to our American neighbors: Canada is neither a mere extension of the U.S. nor a hostile northern power. It is a sovereign nation with its own identity, ambitions and responsibilities. Canada is not your junior partner or a passive presence on the world stage; it is a country that has shaped global history, defended democracy and built a cultural........

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