Dear editor:

U.S. President Trump’s continued tongue-in-cheek remarks on Canada being a 51st state have gotten tiresome. Those who pay attention to the American system know that the last thing a Republican would want is to grant statehood to Canada.

How so?

Canada has a population of about 40 million, approximately that of California. California has 52 seats in the House of Representatives, by far the most of any state in the union, with Texas the runner-up at 38.

If Canada were to become a state, it would be entitled to its own quota of seats similar to that of California — and like all states, it would acquire two Senators.

In the race for president, California has 54 electoral college votes — likewise, Canada would receive a similar number.

Compared to the U.S., Canada clearly leans to the left. For decades, surveys and polls have consistently shown a Canadian populace that has fawned over Democrat nominees and presidents: The Clintons, Obama, even Sleepy Joe Biden. Most recently, polls showed that Canadians preferred Kamala Harris over Donald Trump by a margin of three to one.

Imagine adding a state that would reliably deliver the vast majority of those 50 or so seats to the Democratic Party?

It would forever tip the House of Representatives in favour of Democrats — and likely add two Democrat senators as well. The electoral college and the president? Advantage Democrats again. It would be an utter disaster for Republicans.

So, settle down Canada: Governor Trudeau is gone!

Don Mustill
NOTL