Movements for the annexation of Canada to the United States

American states and Canadian provinces and territories

From the independence of the United States until today, various movements within Canada have campaigned in favor of U.S. annexation of parts of or all of Canada. Historical studies have focused on numerous small-scale movements which are helpful in comparisons of Canadian and American politics.

In the early years of the United States, many American political figures were in favour of invading and annexing Canada, and even pre-approved the admission of the Province of Quebec (previously known as Lower Canada) to the U.S. in the Articles of Confederation in 1777. During the American Revolutionary War, the Americans invaded the St. Lawrence River Valley, but were repelled. Americans also fought the British and allied Indigenous peoples in the Ohio Country — what was then the southwest of Quebec; at the end of the war, the land south of the Great Lakes was ceded to the newly independent United States and became the Northwest Territory. In the War of 1812, the Americans again invaded Canada in reprisal for the British impressment of American sailors on the high seas and support for Indigenous peoples resisting American westward expansion, but were repulsed again.

During and after the American Civil War, several American politicians called for the annexation of Canada because of Britain's material support for the Confederacy, which one historian asserts lengthened the war by two years, mostly inflicted by British blockade runners delivering arms supplies. ^{[1] [2]} Confederate agents operating in Canada received support from a large portion of Canadians throughout the war, allowing the British colony to be used as a base to attack the U.S., such as in the St. Albans Raid. ^[3] In the 1872 Alabama Claims, the U.S. was compensated $15.5 million in war reparations by the British for damages caused only by British-built Confederate commerce raiders, as part of the 1871 Treaty of Washington. Historian Joseph Levitt notes:

Since the Treaty of Washington in 1871, when it first de facto recognized the new Dominion of Canada, the United States has never suggested or promoted an annexationist movement in Canada. No serious force has appeared on the American political scene that aimed to persuade or coerce Canadians into joining the United States. And, in fact, no serious initiative for any move in this direction has come from the Canadian side either. ^[4]

Surveys have suggested that a minority of Canadians would potentially support annexation, ranging from as many as 20 percent in a survey by Léger Marketing in 2001 ^[5] to as few as seven percent in another survey by the same company in 2004. ^[6]

After his election victory in 2024, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has renewed calls and discussion for a possible annexation of Canada to the United States, in which the Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau replied on online, quote "There isn’t a snowball’s chance in hell that Canada would become a part of the United States". ^[7] However, some Canadian politicians disagreed. Former Ontario legislator and anti-lockdown activist Randy Hillier wrote an open letter to Trump expressing his openness towards the voluntary admission of Canada to the United States. ^[8]

Historical annexationist groups

1837

Historical annexationist movements inside Canada were usually inspired by dissatisfaction with Britain's colonial government of Canada. Groups of Irish immigrants took the route of armed struggle, attempting to annex the peninsula between the Detroit and Niagara Rivers to the U.S. by force in the minor and short-lived Patriot War in 1837–1838. Not all rebels desired union with the United States; some fought for a separate nation independent from Britain and for liberal social reforms.^{[ citation needed ]}

Despite some unrest, Canadian resentment of British rule never reached the degree that led to the American Revolution in 1775. Notably, Canada's population growth in the late 18th and early 19th centuries was spurred largely by United Empire Loyalists, who left the American colonies during the Revolution because of their loyalty to Great Britain. In the period from 1790 to 1837, imperial officials repeatedly denounced American-style republicanism and tried to suppress it.

Between 1848 and 1854, a significant and articulate minority of conservatives in Upper Canada advocated constitutional changes modelled on the American federal-state system and the US Constitution. They critiqued Canada's imitation of British parliamentary government as simultaneously too democratic and too tyrannical. They believed it destroyed the independence of the appointed governor and Legislative Council and further concentrated power in the Cabinet. This critique led many conservatives to argue that the American model of checks and balances offered Canada a more balanced and conservative form of democracy than did British parliamentary government.^{[ citation needed ]} These "republican conservatives" debated a series of constitutional changes, including annexation to the United States, an elected governor, an elected Legislative Council, a federal union of British North America, and imperial federation, within this framework. These conservatives had accepted "government by discussion" as the appropriate basis for political order. ^[9]

1850s

Around 1850 there was a serious annexationist movement on the border region of Quebec's Eastern Townships, where the American-descended majority felt that union with the United States would end their economic isolation and stagnation as well as remove them from the growing threat of French Canadian political domination. Leading proponents of this bipartisan movement were careful not to appear disloyal to Britain, however, and they actively discouraged popular protest at the local level. Fearful of American-style democracy, the local elite also expressed revulsion toward American slavery and militaristic expansionism. Consequently, the movement died as quickly in the Eastern Townships as it did in Montreal after Britain expressed its official disapproval and trade with the United States began to increase. ^[10]

In Montreal at midcentury, with little immigration and complaints that the repeal of the Corn Laws had cut the region off from its British trade links, a small but organized group supported integrating the colonies into the United States. The leading organization advocating merger was the Annexation Association, founded in 1849 by an alliance of French Canadian nationalists and Anglophone businessmen in Montreal who had a common interest in the republic. Many of its members, including Louis-Joseph Papineau, were participants in the 1837-38 rebellions.^{[ citation needed ]}

The Montreal Annexation Manifesto was published in 1849. It was hoped a merger with the United States would give Canada markets for its goods, ensure national security, and provide the finances to develop the west. A half measure was the Canadian–American Reciprocity Treaty of 1854 that linked the two countries economically.^{[ citation needed ]}

However, the movement died out in 1854. Annexation was never a very popular choice. Many Canadians were loyal to the Crown and Great Britain, especially the descendants of the United Empire Loyalists. French Canadians worried about being an even smaller minority in a larger union, and were concerned about American anti-Catholicism. The American Civil War, further, convinced many Canadians that the American experiment was a failure.^{[ citation needed ]}

1860s

British Columbia

See also: History of British Columbia § Annexation debate

United States Secretary of State William Seward predicted in 1860 that western British North America, from Manitoba to British Columbia, would with Russian Alaska join the United States. Many in Britain, such as Goldwin Smith and The Times of London, were pessimistic about the future of British North America and agreed with Seward; The Times said that Britain would only object if the United States attempted to take the territory by force. ^[11] In the late 1860s, residents of British Columbia, which was not yet a Canadian province, responded to the United States' purchase of Alaska with fear of being surrounded by American territory. Some residents wanted the colony to be the next American purchase. Local opinion was divided, as the three Vancouver Island newspapers supported annexation to the United States, while the three mainland newspapers rejected the idea. Even opponents of the annexation scheme admitted that Great Britain had neglected the region and that grievances were justified. Nonetheless, annexation sentiment disappeared within a few months and prominent leaders moved toward confederation with Canada. ^[12]

Petitions circulated in favour of American annexation. The first, in 1867, was addressed to Queen Victoria, demanding that the British government assume the colony's debts and establish a steamer link, or allow the colony to join the U.S. In 1869, a second petition was addressed to President Ulysses S. Grant, asking him to negotiate American annexation of the territory from Britain. It was delivered to Grant by Vincent Colyer, Indian Commissioner for Alaska, on December 29, 1869. Both petitions were signed by only a small fraction of the colony's population, and British Columbia was ultimately admitted as a Canadian province in 1871.^{[ citation needed ]}

Nova Scotia

Map of Nova Scotia

Most Canadians were strongly opposed to the prospect of American annexation. Reports of the Annexation Bill of 1866 — a bill that, contrary to myth, never came to a vote — might have been one of the many factors behind Canadian Confederation in 1867. Much more serious were the Fenian raids made by Irish Americans across the border in 1866, which spurred a wave of patriotic feeling that helped the cause of Confederation. ^[13]

Nonetheless, a substantial annexationist movement existed in Nova Scotia, and to a lesser degree in New Brunswick, Quebec, and Ontario, during the 1860s. Nova Scotia anti-confederationists led by Joseph Howe felt that pro-confederation premier Charles Tupper had caused the province to agree to join Canada without popular support. Howe in London unsuccessfully attempted to persuade the government to free Nova Scotia from the pending British North America Act by threatening American annexation. A significant economic downturn occurred after the end after 1866 of the Reciprocity Treaty of 1854; the colony was heavily dependent on selling fish to Americans, causing many to believe that free trade with the United States was necessary for prosperity. Anti-confederationists won all but two seats in the 1867 provincial election; as in British Columbia they did not necessarily support annexation. They again sent Howe to London to free Nova Scotia but in 1868 the British government again refused, believing that New Brunswick would likely follow Nova Scotia out of the dominion and cause the new nation to collapse. ^[14]

Angry Nova Scotians began talking seriously of annexation. An alarmed Howe — who wished Nova Scotia to be free of Canada but still with Britain — warned his supporters against disloyalty, dividing anti-confederationists. The provincial government, dominated by extremists who now also opposed Howe, decided that if another appeal to London failed it would seize federal offices and unilaterally declare annexation, believing that Britain would not use force to stop Nova Scotia. Believing he had no choice, Howe left the anti-confederationists. Although he narrowly won reelection to his federal parliamentary seat in March 1869 as a confederationist, support for secession and annexation grew that year; however, by 1871 the movement had mostly disappeared. The federal government promised changes to taxes and tariffs, the economy revived, and the United States agreed to free trade for Canadian fish. ^[14]

1880s

A Quebec-born homeopathic physician, Prosper Bender, expressed disappointment with the Canadian experiment in the 1880s and 1890s. An author and the former host of a literary circle in Quebec City, Bender suddenly moved to Boston in 1882. After celebrating the promise of Confederation, he became a strong proponent of annexation to the United States and something of an intercultural broker; he helped interpret French-Canadian culture to American readers. ^[15] Bender wrote in the North American Review in 1883 that many Canadians believed that annexation by the United States would occur "within the present generation, if not sooner". He believed that Irish Catholics — about one quarter of Canada's population — would prefer annexation because of the British rule of Ireland. They would be joined by the majority of those under 40, who viewed the United States as a prosperous, fast-growing neighbour providing many opportunities. (The author attributed the absence of an active annexationist movement in part to many who would favor such an effort taking the "easiest and quietest method of securing the benefits of annexation, by themselves silently migrating to the Republic", as more than a million already had.) ^[16]

Bender believed that Prime Minister John A. Macdonald's promise of a transcontinental railway linking eastern Canada to British Columbia to be overambitious and too expensive, and unfavourably compared the Canadian government's growing debt to the United States' rapid reduction of its Civil War debt.^{[ citation needed ]} He stated that Canadian businesses would benefit from duty-free access to the American market, while "wondrous American enterprise, supported by illimitable capital" would rapidly prosper Canada, especially its vast undeveloped interior. Bender concluded with pessimism about the likelihood of success of a nation divided in two parts by 1,200 miles of "forbidding, silent wilderness stretching from the head-waters of the Ottawa to Thunder Bay, and thence to Manitoba". ^[16]

1890s

In 1891, Goldwin Smith posited in his book Canada and the Canadian Question that Canada's eventual annexation by the United States was inevitable, and should be welcomed if Canadians genuinely believed in the ideal of democracy. His view did not receive widespread support. ^[17]

In January 1893, concerned about Canada's possible annexation, a goal then being pursued by the Continental Union Association, a group of Ontario and Quebec Liberals, Prime Minister Sir John Thompson delivered a speech on tolerance, Canadian nationalism and continued loyalty to Britain. Thompson eventually learned that the desire to make Canada part of the U.S. was confined to a small minority amongst the Liberals.^{[ citation needed ]}

1900s

In 1901 W. T. Stead, a newspaper editor in London, England, discussed in The Americanization of the World possible annexations of Canada and Newfoundland. He believed that because of its size and strength Canada would likely be the last of Britain's possessions in the Americas to join the United States. Stead cited several reasons for why he believed annexation seemed "inevitable", however, including rapidly growing economic ties and migration between the two countries, the French Shore, and disputes over the Alaska boundary and fishing rights in the Atlantic. ^[18]

After the discovery of gold in the Yukon, many Canadians propose to annex parts of Alaska currently controlled by the United States, by calling for a revision in the original map of the boundary line between the Russian Empire and the United States.^{[ citation needed ]} The US offered to lease the territory but not to give it back. London and Washington agreed on arbitration, with one member of the panel from Canada. In 1903 the Chief Justice of Britain sided with the Americans to resolve the map dispute in favour of the United States. Many Canadians felt a sense of betrayal on the part of the British government, whose own national interest required close ties to the United States, regardless of the interests of Canada. ^[19]

The 1932 establishment of the International Peace Garden on the North Dakota–Manitoba border honored the long lasting friendship between the two countries rather than attempts at annexation.^{[ citation needed ]}

Newfoundland in the mid-20th century

While the Dominion of Newfoundland was still separate from Canada, prior to 1949, a party known as the Economic Union Party sought closer ties with the United States. However, Canada objected to the possibility, and the British government, which administered the Dominion of Newfoundland as a de facto colony under an appointed Commission of Government, would not allow it to consider annexation with the United States in any referendum. Instead, the EUP sought to resume "responsible government" and would then explore American annexation. ^[20] A referendum showed a plurality in support of independence, but not a majority; a runoff referendum resulted in Newfoundland instead confederating with Canada to become the tenth province.^{[ citation needed ]}

Late 20th century

The Unionist Party was a provincial political party in Saskatchewan in 1980 that promoted the union of the western provinces with the United States. It was the most politically successful annexationist group, but its success was both short-lived and extremely limited in scope. The party briefly had two members in the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan, both of whom crossed the floor from another party, but dissolved within a few weeks after failing to qualify for official party status. ^[21]

The original Parti 51 was a short-lived political party in Quebec in the 1980s that advocated Quebec's admission to the United States as the 51st state. The party won just 3,846 votes, or 0.11 percent of the popular vote in the province, in the 1989 election — fewer votes than the Marxist–Leninists or the satirical Lemon Party — and was dissolved the following year. ^[22]

21st Century

In 2016 Hans Mercier, a pro-American lawyer from Saint-Georges, Quebec, revived the party for a second time. ^[23] Mercier told La Presse that the times have changed since the party's previous era, as Quebec sovereigntism has waned in popularity. Mercier argued that Americans would be welcoming of a new Quebec state, and pointed to a survey taken during the administration of George W. Bush that suggested nearly 34 per cent of Quebecers would support joining the United States. ^[24] The revived party ran five candidates and received just 1,117 votes provincewide in the 2018 Quebec general election, representing 0.03 percent of the provincewide popular vote.^{[ citation needed ]} The party ran again and received just 689 votes provincewide in the 2022 Quebec general election, representing 0.02 percent of the provincewide popular vote.

One poll in the 2020s, noted by the Toronto Star, showed that about 50% of Americans are against Canada joining, 25% are in favor, and 25% are not sure. ^[25]

Proposals to annex Canada by President Donald Trump

Graphic used by pro-annexationists depicting Canada as the 51st state of the United States.

Starting in December 2024, then President-elect Donald Trump and his supporters began expressing support for Canadian annexation into the United States of America as its 51st state. This came after months of tariff threats on Canadian goods and renewed demands by Trump for Canada to increase its military spending and prioritize border security. ^[26] However, most Canadian politicians dismissed this notion, and numerous Canadians expressed their opposition to the proposed merger, as indicated by public opinion surveys. ^{[27] [25]} President Trump has continued to make proposals to annex Canada following his inauguration as President of the United States.

Pre-Inauguration proposal

In December 2024, during a tense meeting at Mar-a-Lago over trade deficits and border security, Trump suggested Canada consider becoming the 51st U.S. state if Prime Minister Trudeau felt his planned tariffs would hurt Canada's economy. He referred to Trudeau as "Governor Justin Trudeau of the Great State of Canada" and said he looked forward to meeting the him again to continue talks on tariffs and trade. ^{[28] [29] [30]} During an appearance on Fox News, Ontario Premier Doug Ford humorously referred to the situation as former U.S. President Donald Trump’s attempt at revenge for the War of 1812. Ford joked that Trump might still harbor a 212 year-old grudge over the burning of the White House during the conflict. ^[31]

On December 3, In response to Trudeau suggesting that Canada would be too liberal, Trump suggested that Canada would enter the Union as two states, one more conservative, one more liberal. ^[32] Under this initial proposal, Canada would not remain as its current configuration of ten provinces and three territories, ^[33] but would instead occupy at least two new positions in the U.S. federal structure, becoming the 51st and 52nd states. In a similarly humorous vein, Independent but left-leaning Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders said he would back Trump's plan to bring Canada in as a state, if they could expand Canada's state-run health care system to all Americans. ^[34]

On December 18, 2024, Trump posted on Truth Social advocating for Canada to become the 51st state. Trump claimed that many Canadians favor statehood due to potential tax savings and increased security. Trump continued to refer to Trudeau as the Governor and suggested that Canadian taxes would drop significantly, businesses would grow, and security would improve under U.S. statehood. ^{[35] [36]} He then jokingly proposed that Canadian ice hockey player, Wayne Gretzky, consider a run for Prime Minister or as the Governor and attested that he could win easily. ^[37] Following speculation regarding Trudeau's resignation, Trump reiterated his annexation proposals, claiming that this move would enhance trade and bolster national security by eliminating the border. ^[38] Following Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's resignation, former U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated his suggestion that Canada join the United States. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump cited several factors, including the perceived Canadian interest for the idea, alleged U.S. deficits and subsidies, and the notion that these circumstances contributed to Trudeau's resignation. Trump argued that statehood would eliminate tariffs, reduce taxes, and enhance security. ^{[39] [40]}

On January 7, 2025, during a press conference at Mar-a-Lago, Trump ruled out the use of military force to annex Canada, instead advocating for "economic force" to pressure Canada into joining. He argued that merging would enhance national security and reduce U.S. expenses on border protection. ^[41] Trump then posted an image on Truth Social with the U.S. flag emblazoned across the territories of the U.S. and Canada with the caption referencing the national anthem of Canada. ^[42] On the same day, Fox News commentator Jesse Watters expressed during a broadcast the desire for a military invasion of Canada saying that it would "quench his imperialist thirst". ^[43] He also stated that Canadians should consider it a privilege to be taken over by the United States. ^{[44] [45] [46] [47]}

A poll conducted by Angus Reid stated that 90% of Canadians are against joining the united states with only 10% being in support of it. ^[48] A poll, noted by the Toronto Star asking Americans, showed that about 50% of Americans are against Canada joining, 25% are in favor, and 25% are not sure. ^[25] However, during this time one poll found that 2/3 of Americans are unaware of Trump's annexation comments. ^[49]

Post-Inauguration proposal

President Trump during his inaugural address where he made comments about expanding U.S. territory

During his inaugural address on January 20, 2025. President Trump stated that during his second presidency the United States would expand its territory, which was in keeping with his pre-inaugural remarks, about annexing other nations territory. ^{[50] [51] [52]}

Speaking at the World Economic Forum on January 23, U.S. President Donald Trump dismissed Canada’s importance as a trade partner, asserting that the United States does not rely on Canadian oil, gas, vehicles, or lumber. Trump also reiterated his threats of broad tariffs, prompting concerns among Canadian political leaders and sparking discussions about potential countermeasures. Trump’s remarks align with his longstanding perspective that Canada poses a trade imbalance for the U.S. ^{[53] [54]} He has pointed to the U.S. trade deficit and argued that American self-sufficiency reduces the need for Canadian imports, However, this view is at odds with the economic reality that the U.S. depends heavily on Canadian crude oil to supply its refineries. ^{[55] [56]}

On January 24, whilst holding a press conference in North Carolina, President Trump reaffirmed his stance that Canada should become the 51st state, making claims that under an American controlled Canada, Canadians would be offered "lower taxes" and "better health care." ^{[57] [58]}

Canadian reactions to Trump's proposal

Trump's Mar-a-largo pre-inaugural comments were widely condemned by Canadian politicians. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated there was "not a snowball's chance in hell" of Canada joining the United States. ^{[59] [60] [61]} Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre affirmed, "Canada will never be the 51st state. Period. We are a great and independent country." ^[62] New Democratic Party Leader Jagmeet Singh criticized Trump as a "bully" and dismissed his proposal as absurd, saying, "Cut the crap, Donald. No Canadian wants to join you." Statements criticizing Trump's comments on Canada joining the US have also been made by other federal and provincial leaders and politicians. ^{[63] [64] [65]}

Polls revealed overwhelming opposition to the proposals amongst Canadians, with 82% rejecting the idea in a Leger poll, ^[66] and another Angus Reid poll showing support as low as 6%. ^[67] Ministers of the Canadian government were reportedly taking Trump's "threats" seriously. ^[68]

Modern Secessionist/annexationist groups

Further information: Secessionist movements of Canada

Two modern provincial political parties have proposed that their province secede from Canada to join the United States. Neither attracted significant support.

Albertan annexationism

Main article: Alberta separatism

Alberta
Proposed U.S. state
Flag Seal
Alberta shown in red with the United States Location of Alberta within Canada
Country	United States
Area
• Total	255,541 sq mi (661,848 km2)
• Land	247,137 sq mi (640,081 km2)
• Water	7,541 sq mi (19,531 km2)  3%
• Rank	3rd in US states sizes
Population  (2021)
• Total	4,368,370 [72]
• Estimate  (Q4 2024)	4,931,601 [73]
• Rank	25th in US states sizes
Demonym	Albertan
Time zone	Mountain Time Zone

One of the most successful secessionist/annexationist movements to the United States was that of Albertan separatism. These movements have proposed various paths, including forming an independent nation, joining the United States, or creating a union with other Western provinces. Key issues driving separatist sentiment include a perceived power imbalance with Ottawa, long-standing economic grievances, ^[2] a distinct cultural identity, and dissatisfaction with federal policies—particularly those affecting Alberta's energy sector. ^{[3] [74]} The province's early economic ties leaned heavily southward-midwest, with trade networks connecting Alberta to the United States rather than to eastern Canada. ^[7] This north–south orientation contributed to feelings of alienation, as did fiscal policies such as equalization payments. Many Albertans view these payments as disproportionately burdening the province's resource-rich economy. Such frustrations date back to Alberta's establishment as a province in 1905, when initial hopes for fair treatment under Confederation gave way to concerns about overreach from the federal government. ^[6]

The roots of separatist movements can be traced to the 1930s, particularly within the Alberta Social Credit Party under William Aberhart. Aberhart's attempts to implement social credit policies to combat the Great Depression were stymied by federal disallowance, fueling resentment toward Ottawa. ^[13] Although Aberhart himself urged moderation, his party's struggles laid the groundwork for later separatist ideas. ^[10] In the postwar era, the discovery of oil in Alberta transformed its economy. However, protectionist policies hindered industrial diversification, deepening grievances about federal control. ^[75] By the 1970s, separatist sentiments had coalesced into more organized movements. ^[76] Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau’s National Energy Program (NEP), introduced in 1980, became a major flashpoint. The NEP imposed taxes and royalties on Alberta’s oil, triggering economic decline and widespread discontent. ^[74] This period saw the rise of movements like the Western Canada Concept, which gained some traction despite internal divisions. ^[77] The eventual dismantling of the NEP under Prime Minister Brian Mulroney in the mid-1980s diminished the momentum of these separatist efforts. A renewed wave of separatist sentiment emerged in the late 2010s-20s, driven by federal policies under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Many Albertans perceived these policies as detrimental to the province’s energy sector and its economic autonomy. Polls reflected increasing frustration, and movements such as Wexit—drawing inspiration from Brexit—garnered attention. ^{[78] [79] [80]} Groups like Wexit Alberta sought political legitimacy, ^[81] though secession or outright annexation remained unlikely. A University of Alberta study found that support for separatism was approximately 29% in November 2019, but this figure declined to 19% by April 2022. ^{[82] [83]} While this separatist sentiment has simmered for some time, the Canadian government’s freezing of bank accounts during the "Freedom Convoy" protests in early 2022 escalated tensions. Although financial restrictions were lifted after two weeks, the incident amplified existing grievances, including government overreach on gun control, high taxes, and centralized management of Alberta's natural resources. ^[84] Currently, two registered separatist parties, the Wildrose Independence Party of Alberta and the Independence Party of Alberta, promote independence without advocating annexation by the United States. ^[83] Few among Albertan secessionists supported actual annexation. ^[85]

Insofar, the most vocal group in Alberta advocating for annexation to the United States is the Alberta 51 Project, founded in 2023. ^{[83] [86]} The Alberta 51 Project, according to its official website, calls for Alberta to adopt a new constitution and join the United States as a state. This would grant Alberta approximately six electoral votes in Congress. Among the group's stated goals are the elimination of customs barriers, a stronger military presence, enhanced protection for land and resources, and economic stability through the U.S. dollar. To support its efforts, the Alberta 51 Project raises funds on its website through the sale of bumper stickers, claiming that it has collected nearly $1,100 through a fundraiser intended for promotional billboards. ^[86] A Change.org petition organized by the Alberta 51 Project from October 2019, advocating Alberta's statehood had garnered over 52,000 signatures as of June 2024. Although the petition does not carry as an official document, as the Alberta elections office has reported no active citizen initiative petitions related to this cause. Achieving statehood would require significant legal and political steps, including constitutional amendments by Canada's Parliament and successful referendums in Alberta. Polling data suggests that fewer than a third of Albertans support annexation. Both Canadian officials and political analysts have pointed to the significant challenges involved, with many viewing the proposal as improbable. ^[84] During an event in Calgary where American political commentator Tucker Carlson spoke with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, a minor demonstration by members of the Alberta 51 Project took place. Demonstrators displayed signs and a Trump 2024 campaign flag in support of Alberta annexationism. ^[87]

In recent years, Alberta has undertaken a multimillion-dollar campaign to promote itself across the U.S. to establish a more pronounced diplomatic presence and influence energy policy. It opened offices in Chicago, Seattle, and Denver within Canadian consulates and launched a $1.7 million ad campaign through the Canadian Energy Centre, promoting itself as a reliable energy partner at the eve of the Russo-Ukrainian War. An additional $2 million will be spent on public relations over two years to enhance its reputation. Former Premier Jason Kenney has frequently expressed Alberta's dissatisfaction with both Canadian and American federal policies during his tenure. His criticism of U.S. President Joe Biden’s cancellation of the Keystone XL pipeline and of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for not lobbying Biden to preserve the project reflects long-standing frustrations and led to the government to initiate the program. Premier Jason Kenney reiterated the belief that Alberta’s economic contributions are often overlooked or undervalued, echoing a historic desire for greater recognition and autonomy from the federal government. ^[88]

Alberta during Trump's annexation proposals

Amid escalating trade tensions between Canada and the United States following Trump's annexation proposal, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith refused to endorse a joint statement from provincial leaders and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau regarding Canada’s response to threats of U.S. tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump. ^[89] Following the first ministers’ meeting in Ottawa, Smith expressed in a tweet of concerns about the federal government’s approach to energy policy. She claimed that federal officials were considering measures such as cutting off energy supplies to the United States and imposing export tariffs on Alberta’s energy and other products. Smith stated that Alberta could not fully support the federal government’s plans to address threatened tariffs unless such proposals were abandoned, further putting emphasis on Alberta’s opposition to export tariffs or bans on its energy and other products. Alberta's refusal to sign the joint statement left it as the sole province opposed to a retaliatory policy. Instead, Alberta advocated for increasing U.S. purchases of Alberta oil and rejected measures such as curtailing, suspending, or taxing energy exports. This stance placed Smith at odds with the federal government and other premiers across Canada. ^{[90] [91]}

We’re all part of Team Canada, because what happens to any part of us happens to all of us, and we will be there to respond strongly, to fight for Canada, and to do it in a united way that makes sure that it’s fair across all industries, across all regions. ^[91]

—Justin Trudeau on the absence of Premier Danielle Smith, 16 January 2025

On 12 January, Premier Danielle Smith sets up an impromptu meeting with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida, as a guest of Canadian businessman and television personality Kevin O’Leary, ^[92] discussing U.S.-Canadian energy relations. ^[93] After her meet with trump, Smith has warned that blocking energy exports to the U.S. in response to President-elect Donald Trump's tariff threats could lead to a "national unity crisis" in Canada. Smith emphasized that oil and gas resources are primarily owned by the provinces, particularly Alberta, and that such a move by the federal government would not be tolerated. She also remarked that, had the federal government proceeded with an export ban, she could not "predict what Albertans would do." ^{[94] [95]} While Kevin O’Leary expressed support for Trump’s proposal, ^[96] Premier Smith remained noncommittal, refraining from taking a definitive stance on the issue of annexation. ^[97]

Since trump took office, the Alberta provincial government, under Premier Danielle Smith, is actively lobbying U.S. lawmakers to prevent the implementation of former President Donald Trump’s proposed 25% levy on all Canadian goods, primarily that of Alberta’s key oil and gas exports. ^[98] The tariff, originally set to take effect immediately, has been delayed until February 1, providing a brief window for negotiations. ^[99] Smith has emphasized Alberta’s significance to the U.S. energy supply, noting that while Americans consume approximately 21 million barrels of oil daily, domestic production stands at only 13 million barrels. She also suggested reviving infrastructure projects such as the Northern Gateway and Energy East pipelines to strengthen energy transportation and distribution. ^{[100] [98]} Critics, including Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi, criticised Premier Smith’s actions for prioritizing Alberta’s interests over Canadian national unity. ^[98] Smith then blamed Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for damaging Canada’s relationship with the current U.S. administration, claiming it has further complicated the country’s position. ^[101]

In response to Trump’s assertion that the United States does not rely on Canadian oil, gas, vehicles, or lumber, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith maintained a diplomatic approach. Smith re-emphasized the value of cross-border collaboration in the energy sector and rejecting public calls for retaliatory measures. She then urged the federal government to address concerns raised by Trump regarding border security and defense spending, while affirming that his remarks at the World Economic Forum have not altered her stance. ^[54] Former Alberta Premier Jason Kenney and other critics, meanwhile, have characterized Trump’s statements as unrealistic, noting Canada’s essential role in the U.S. energy supply chain. ^[102]

Following statements by former U.S. President Donald Trump expressing interest in annexing Canada, Alberta has emerged as the province most supportive of such a proposal. A recent poll by the Angus Reid Institute indicated that approximately 18% of respondents in Alberta favored Trump's annexation proposal, more than anywhere else in Canada. ^[103] Historically in the U.S., some conservatives have expressed sympathy for Alberta's position, but the same groups have previously opposed statehood bids from other territories, such as the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. ^[84]

Analysis

In his 2014 book The Accidental Superpower, geopolitical analyst Peter Zeihan suggested that both Alberta and the United States could benefit if Alberta became the 51st U.S. state. Zeihan argued that Alberta's economic contributions significantly support the Canadian national budget, noting that it consistently contributes more than it receives. ^{[104] [105]} He projected that, by 2020, Alberta's net financial contribution would exceed $20,000 per person, or $40,000 per taxpayer, which he characterized as one of the largest per capita wealth transfers in the Western world. Zeihan also highlighted the economic disparity between Alberta and other parts of Canada, suggesting that Alberta might maintain its prosperity more effectively outside of Canada. ^[106] Though Zeihan's assertion that Alberta would become the richest state in the Union remains speculative, it reflects ongoing debates about the province's economic future and political alignment. Economists have noted that Alberta's economy, often compared to that of Texas, has a strong reliance on oil, gas, and agricultural exports. Any shift in sovereignty would require complex negotiations, such as adopting new tax structures, renegotiating trade agreements, and determining how to manage Alberta's extensive national parks and public lands. There are also concerns that Alberta's exit from Canada could disrupt established trade relationships under existing agreements like NAFTA. ^[84]

However, Political columnist Rob Breakenridge contended that President Trump's proposal for Canadian statehood would be particularly harmful to Alberta. He argued that Alberta would lose its provincial autonomy, resources, and distinct identity. Assets such as the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund and energy royalties would come under centralized control, diminishing Alberta's self-determination. Breakenridge dismissed statehood as impractical, instead calling for Canadians to address internal political divisions and instead emphasized the need for new Canadian leadership to address challenges from the Trump administration while maintaining Canada's sovereignty and unity. ^[107]

Pro-annexation rhetoric

While talking with a guest on Tucker Carlson Today sometime in January 2023, American commentator Tucker Carlson provocatively questioned, "We're spending all this money to liberate Ukraine from the Russians, why are we not sending an armed force north to liberate Canada from Trudeau?" Carlson then laughed at his own remark, describing it as a "frenzy." ^[108]

Anti-annexation rhetoric

In modern Canadian political discourse, the idea of Canada becoming the "51st state" of the United States is much more often used as a scare tactic by Canadian politicians against political courses of action that may be seen as too "Americanizing". The use of this type of rhetoric may occur even if the proponents of such a course of action have not endorsed or proposed annexation.^{[ citation needed ]}

In the 1911 federal election, the Conservative response to the proposed reciprocity treaty negotiated by the Liberals was to denounce it as equivalent to an American economic takeover, with annexation likely to follow. The parties swapped position in the later 1988 federal election, when the Liberals used the same type of rhetoric to denounce the Progressive Conservatives' proposed Canada–United States Free Trade Agreement, although the Progressive Conservatives won that election and the agreement was implemented.^{[ citation needed ]}

Annexation fears can be found throughout Canadian History for Dummies, in which humourist Will Ferguson stated that for "John L. O'Sullivan, it was the 'manifest destiny' of the United States to annex and possess all of North America". ^[109] In fact, O'Sullivan's use of the term never extended beyond potential American annexation of Texas and the Oregon Territory; he explicitly wrote that he did not believe that the United States had a destiny to annex Canada. ^[110]

Reverse annexation

Satirical graphic used by anti-annexationists depicting the United States as the eleventh province of Canada.

Political satirists, including the Rhinoceros Party of Canada, have occasionally proposed reverse annexation, whereby all or part the United States would be annexed into an expanded Canadian federation. ^[111] Following the 2004 American election, some Americans distributed the satirical Jesusland map on the Internet, depicting a similar proposal under which the "blue states" were part of a new political entity called "The United States of Canada". In 2019, there was a petition calling for the United States to sell Montana to Canada to pay off the U.S. debt. ^{[112] [113]}

On 8 December 2024, responding to Trump's Annexation proposal, Green Party leader Elizabeth May humorously suggested California, Oregon, and Washington join Canada instead, reviewing the idea of the Cascadia Movement. She offered universal health care and stricter gun laws just to "get rid of all these states that always vote Democrat." ^[114]

Analysis

One article in Newsweek tried to analyze the economic, social, and geographic implications on the United States. They noted that Canada is slightly larger in population than California, the largest current US State by population, but has about 25 times the land area of California. ^[115] However, the economy though is smaller than several US States, including California, New York, and Texas; overall the U.S. economy is ten times the size of Canada at the time. ^[115] Economically, such a merger is predicted to increase trade, but result in increased competition for businesses. ^[115]

Canadian author Don Tapscott analyzed and outlined conditions for a merger, including preserving Canada's healthcare system, maintaining provincial identities as states, and introducing legal reforms on campaign finance, education funding, and gun control. Tapscott also noted that Ontario would become the fifth-largest state in the U.S. with 16 million residents, and that Canada spends 11% of its GDP on healthcare compared to the U.S.'s 20%, while achieving longer life expectancy. ^[116]

See also

• North American Union
• Anglo-America
• Indigenous land claims in Canada
• Proposals for the United States to purchase Greenland
• Quebec sovereignty movement

Notes

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