USA vs Canada relations?

Question

is there anything our 2 countries do to improve relations?
keeping in mind that most canadians would rather see our small military focus on peacekeeping missions. maybe deploying our troops to the border?
should we be focused on a give and take relationship? or just try to respect our respective neighbours wishes? i can't help fealing that the american ADMINISTRATION kinda takes advantage of us, by not looking at the big picture, decisions they make in washingtion affects lives all over the globe.

as i was reading kent shakespear's answer i couldn't help thinking of the time when Rick Mercer was in the us and had george bush on congratulating our new prime minister "tim Horton" funny as hell, but at the same time i knew we would have a long road ahead

Answer 1

The biggest improvement would be for my fellow Americans to respect Canada as a separate, sovereign nation. But those in power have a hard time recognizing that of any other entity.

A give-and-take relationship only works when both sides give and take. The lumber issue is a good example - despite trade agreements and 20+ years of court cases (even US courts) that are supposed to give Canadian lumber fair market access, the US has refused to honor its commitments - and poor Canada has to compromise - again. If one touts the advantages of trade agreements, one has to be prepared for any downsides for the home team.

The US administration does take advantage of Canada - and anyone else it can. Does it really have the interests of the average Venezualan in mind when it wants to topple Chavez? Of course not. Was Afganistan about the Taliban - or the pipeline? Does anyone really think Iraq is about bringing democracy to Iraq, by the same administration committed to election fraud at home?

Here in the US, international views and perspectives are stiffled - TV news ratings show a documentable plummet, a mass changing-of-channels, when international news is announced to come up next.

I used to have a pen-pal in Halifax; she'd be well aware of all the goings-on in the US, and would ask me if I'd heard of this or that in Canada. Nope. Even one like me interested in Canada had a hard time following things (although in recent years, the Internet makes it easier - if one makes the effort). I've seen the same thing in Europe; it's like being inside the US is on the wrong side of a one-way mirror; everyone sees in but we can't see out.

And to make matters worse, those who are running the country (and to an extent, certain aspects of the word), aren't aware of their ignorance, nor would they care if it was shown to them.

What should Canada do? That's a toughie. Be firm but fair; stand its ground on issues of importance, and rush to not cave in or perpetually kiss *** - but yet not act as a thorn in the side. It's a tough balance; maintaining a clear, independent voice while being neither subserviant nor obstructionist.

The trickier part, it seems, would be finding that unified voice, in an age where, say, Quebec and Alberta, for example, have very different perspectives and issues. Here in the US, the 'opposition' Democratic party caves in every time you turn around, so if Canadians don't offer an alternative voice, who will?

Answer 2

It is really hard for the Canadians, because at the moment it's like we don't exist. The best relations we've had in recent memory is Brian Mulrooney back in the 80's. He really knew how to get Canada known on a world stage. Joe Clark was a bit of a joke, but did well for Canadians back home. Jean Cretien was awful, the whole way through, he tried to do nothing the whole time and I think that is where our credibility when to the wayside. Presently, I have been a Canadian living in the U.S. for nearly 9 years. Even before moving down here I have always followed both governments closely. Canada's military is slowly making a real comeback; why I'm not sure, but I think Stephen Harper is trying to repair the damage made by both Paul Martin and Cretien. He has alot to do, but I think its pointless with the current goverment in the US. Bush doesn't care about any relations with any country, other than maybe Britain with Tony Blair. That seems to be his only ally at the moment, openly. The next president will have to be a little more noticeable of Canada, since Canada has so much to offer. I am surprised Bush did not notice Canada much with the current Oil Sands thing going on in Alberta, there's a lot of oil there right now, equivalent to Saudi Arabia. Surprising to me actually that he hasn't really pursued that one.

Answer 3

u . s . a . and Canada palms down u . s . a . and Canada at the same time convey the international too their knees haha russia and china would have an income although, alot extra troops, in spite of the indisputable fact that its no longer what number troops that come to a decision who wins the conflict, yet whose the suitable at conflict. thats both canada and the u . s . a . hollyy edit - canada wouldnt make a distinction eh? flow study a historic previous e book if it wasnt for canada, the italian campaign in WWII wouldnt were successfull if it wasnt for canada, vimy ridge would have nevertheless been over run through german squaddies. very last time i checked, canada changed into the most efficient on DDay so that you nevertheless wanna say Canada wouldnt make a distinction? edit 2 - nicely if it turned right into a conflict between only russia and canada, it will be because of Artic Sovereignty. both international places are claiming the artic, in spite of the indisputable fact that Canada remains the owner. Russia is attempting to make it look like theirs. which may probaly start up a conflict as for the 4 international places hostile to eachother. it would nicely be something so straightforward as only wanting. R/C and u . s . a ./CA hate eachother sufficient already, that something so small ought to start up a conflict

Answer 4

I don't see where Canada takes an active role in world affairs. They seem to sit back and keep to themselves. I can remember traveling in Canada and listening to the radio, maybe it was a US station. All the news was about the US doing this or that you never hear any news about Canada and almost as if they aren't there. Anyway I don't mean to be disrespectful and actually I wish my country would stay out of world politics.

Answer 5

How about maintaining our long-standing world renowned border (the longest undefended border)... Oh wait, the US just changed that forever (see link below)....

Answer 6

There is nothing wrong with US / Canadian relations, you canucks are great. We yanks like you so much in fact that we're making you the next batch of states, that way you can help deal with the darn Mexicans.