Donald Trump first commented about Canada becoming the 51st state late last year. At the time, his words were brushed off as a joke.

In the five months since those late-November remarks, Mr. Trump, now U.S. president, has repeated them. He has signalled his intentions to force Canada to unite with the States, saying he’ll use economic pressure to make it happen if we don’t submit willingly.

His implemented tariffs contravene existing treaties and trade agreements. He has threatened tariffs upon tariffs on Canadian goods and reciprocal tariffs if we fight back.

Whether he is serious about taking over Canada or merely rattling cages before negotiating yet another new North American trade agreement, we now respond if he might — maybe? — indeed be serious.

Regardless, he has annoyed and offended us.

Patriotism in Canada has surged. We’ve committed to buying Canadian and to boycotting U.S. products. We heckle the American anthem at events. We’re cancelling U.S. vacations and contracts.

We’ve proudly bought and flown more Canadian flags than in any recent five-month period. Our own political landscape has also shifted in response to Humpy-Trumpy........

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