An Open Apology to Canada
Dear Canada,
As your loving neighbor who lives 35 miles from the nearest border, I write to you with a heavy heart and a deep sense of responsibility. First and foremost, I want to apologize for the fear, confusion, and distress that recent actions and rhetoric from my country may have caused you. Please know that I am not trying to scare you — far from it. I am doing my best to process the current state of affairs, and I feel compelled to reach out to you, our closest neighbour and friend, to express my regret and solidarity.
As an American, I am appalled by the divisive and harmful actions of Donald Trump and those who enable him. His behaviour does not reflect the values of the majority of Americans, nor does it represent the respect and admiration we hold for Canada. You are not just our neighbour; you are our ally, our partner, and our friend. The thought of any actions being taken to undermine your sovereignty, economy, or independence is deeply troubling to me, as it is to many of my fellow citizens.
I want to address the concerns that have been raised, not to alarm you further, but to acknowledge the gravity of the situation and to assure you that many of us are aware of what is happening and are deeply opposed to it. This letter is not about the tariffs and the insane drama around it. This is about something even more serious.
The recent rhetoric questioning NATO loyalty, the legitimacy of our shared border, and the attempts to isolate Canada economically are not just careless words — they are part of a dangerous pattern that echoes tactics used by authoritarian regimes elsewhere in the world. The parallels to Putin’s actions in Ukraine are impossible to ignore: the questioning of sovereignty, the undermining of alliances, and the gradual erosion of trust.
The idea that the U.S. would seek to annex Canada, as some have speculated, is as absurd as it is horrifying. Yet, the rhetoric comparing Canada to a “51st state,” calling your PM “governor”, the baseless accusations about your elections, and the disrespect shown toward your leadership are not jokes. They are part of a calculated effort to destabilize and delegitimize. These actions are not only an affront to Canada but also a betrayal of the values that the United States claims to uphold.
Why would anyone want to annex Canada? The answer, as with so many acts of aggression, lies in greed and power. Canada’s vast resources — bauxite, cobalt, oil, natural gas, diamonds, gold, timber, and uranium — are undoubtedly attractive to those who seek to exploit rather than collaborate. But let me be clear: this is not the will of most of the American people. We do not want your resources at the cost of your sovereignty. We do not want to weaken you economically or politically. We want to stand beside you as equals, as partners, and as friends.
The real danger lies in the fact that many Americans may not see the warning signs. They may dismiss these actions as mere rhetoric or political posturing. But I see the pattern, and it terrifies me. The United States is at a crossroads, and the path we are on threatens not only our own democracy but also the stability and security of our closest allies. I fear that without a course correction, we risk becoming the very thing we have long opposed: an imperialistic power driven by greed and authoritarianism.
Canada, you are a beacon of kindness, resilience, and integrity. From my travels across your beautiful country-from Quebec to Toronto, Nova Scotia to Vancouver — I have always been met with warmth and generosity. Your people have shown me nothing but friendship, and I am grateful for the countless ways you have enriched my life and the lives of so many Americans.
I want to thank you for being the incredible neighbour and ally that you are. Please know that we are not blind to the challenges you face because of our current leadership, and we are committed to repairing and strengthening our relationship with you. We value your independence, your sovereignty, and your unwavering commitment to doing what is right.
In closing, I want to reiterate my deepest apologies for any fear or uncertainty that has been caused. Once again, I am not here to scare you, but to stand with you. Together, we will get through this, and I am confident that the bond between our nations will emerge stronger than ever.
As a token of strengthening my love for you and your people, I plan to spend at least 10 days in Canada this summer with my family. We will explore parts of Canada we have never visited before and immerse in the beauty of your land.
Elbows up!!
With respect, gratitude, and hope,
A friendly Michigander and a concerned American.
