Canada/US Relationship: Allies or Strategic Competitors?

Thank you for the thoughtful feedback Stephanie Jung. As you mentioned, perhaps a better choice of words by the United States Press Secretary, Karoline Leavitt, from an American perspective would have been: "The Canadian government has been exploiting the American government for decades."

However, from a Canadian perspective, it is Canada, its provinces, businesses, and citizens that have been subsidizing the United States for decades. This has been done through discounted, below-market export prices for resources such as fossil fuels, hydroelectricity, uranium, and a wide array of food items, among other things.

As you correctly point out, "a more precise choice of words would help avoid unnecessary division between the citizens of both countries" – unfortunately, regardless of which side of the argument one supports, threats involving "economic force" or "demarcation line changes," and a host of other statements also made by the President of the United States - your Commander-in-Chief and his Cabinet Member Elon Musk, do little to foster the perception of respect for Canadian sovereignty or the notion of Canada and the United States as allies.

In fact, such rhetoric by the United States President towards Canada is reminiscent of language used by leaders like Putin when describing Ukraine or Xi Jinping when discussing Taiwan.
Perhaps the Canada/US relationship is one of strategic competitors who sometimes share mutual goals and ideas?

Despite where one falls in this discussion, I strongly believe, as a Canadian, that Canada should prioritize its own sovereignty, both economically and militarily. What benefits Ottawa does not necessarily benefit Washington, and vice versa. I am genuinely excited about Canada and Canadians diversifying our economy by strengthening ties with other allies like the CANZUK nations and Europe, as well as forging deeper relationships with newer allies such as Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan.

I'm also happy Canada is dissolving domestic inter-provincial trade barriers. Moreover, I am encouraged by the growing expectation among Canadians that our nation should prioritize its military sovereignty in ways that directly benefit Canada's sovereignty.

While the United States, like Botswana or Fiji, is an interesting place, my primary concern lies with Canada and ensuring that Canadian sovereignty is preserved for my children and for generations to come. I've enjoyed this interaction with you, and wish you health, happiness, and success in your life. Regards, Clinton