Canada Must Rethink Its Relationship With The U.S.

For generations, the foundation of Canadian foreign and economic policy has been simple, almost reflexive: align with the United States. The relationship, often described as the world’s longest undefended border, has been a source of immense prosperity and security. However, the political earthquakes of recent years—from the “America First” doctrine to the profound ideological divisions within American society—have served as a stark wake-up call. The assumption of a stable, reliable partner to the south can no longer be the bedrock of Canadian strategy. It is time for Canada to engage in a clear-eyed, strategic rethink of this crucial relationship.

The End of Automatic Alignment

The traditional model of Canada-U.S. relations was built on a premise of shared democratic values and a predictable foreign policy trajectory from Washington. This allowed Canadian governments, both Liberal and Conservative, to operate with a high degree of certainty. Today, that predictability has evaporated. The United States, regardless of which party holds power, has demonstrated a growing inclination toward protectionism and unilateral action.

The lesson for Canada is not to abandon the relationship, but to abandon the assumption that our interests will always be a priority in Washington. We must move from a posture of automatic alignment to one of deliberate, interest-based partnership. This means being prepared to agree when our interests converge, but also having the courage and capacity to dissent and pursue an independent path when they do not. The recent political volatility in the U.S. is not an anomaly to be waited out; it is a new reality that demands a new Canadian playbook.

Forging a More Resilient Economic Future

The economic interdependence between Canada and the U.S. is deep, with over two-thirds of Canadian trade destined for the American market. While this relationship has been beneficial, such a high degree of reliance on a single, increasingly volatile partner represents a significant national vulnerability. The disruptions caused by “Buy American” policies, trade disputes over softwood lumber and dairy, and the arbitrary threats to tear up NAFTA should be a final warning.

Canada’s strategic response must be a dedicated, multi-pronged effort to diversify its economic partnerships and build internal resilience.

Accelerating Trade Diversification

While the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) was a step in the right direction, much more can be done. Canada must:

Bolstering National Self-Sufficiency

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the fragility of continental supply chains, particularly in critical areas like pharmaceuticals and medical equipment. A sovereign nation cannot outsource its security. Canada should:

Charting an Independent Path on the World Stage

A recalibrated relationship with the United States also has profound implications for Canada’s foreign policy. For decades, Canadian internationalism often operated in the shadow of American power. The future requires a more distinct and assertive Canadian voice.

This does not mean reflexive anti-Americanism; it means a foreign policy guided by Canadian principles and a clear-eyed assessment of global power dynamics. We should be willing to work with the U.S. in multilateral forums like NATO when our values align, but also be prepared to disagree publicly, as we have on issues like the Iraq War or the Cuba embargo. Furthermore, Canada must actively deepen its diplomatic and security partnerships with other democratic powers, such as:

By building these alternative pillars of international cooperation, Canada ensures it is not a solitary supplicant but a valuable node in a diversified network of global alliances.

A Relationship of Mature Partners, Not Dependent Neighbors

Rethinking the relationship with the United States is an act of national maturity, not hostility. It is about moving from a junior partnership to a confident, self-reliant alliance. The goal is not to build walls but to build a Canada that engages with the United States from a position of strength and self-defined interest.

This strategic shift will require ambition and investment. It means:

The United States will always be Canada’s closest neighbor and a vital partner. The bonds of geography, commerce, and family are unbreakable. However, the era of taking that relationship for granted is over. By building a more resilient, diversified, and sovereign Canada, we can approach our American friends not with a hand out, but with a confident handshake. The future of the relationship depends on Canada having the courage to stand on its own two feet.