09 October 2013

How might a US-Canada merger serve the greater Arctic good?

Excerpt:
Canada and the United States have a reputation for being among the world’s friendliest neighbours.

They share a common language, a common culture and what’s regularly touted as the longest undefended border in the world.

The Free Trade Agreement between the two nations in 1987 created even stronger economic links.
But American-Canadian columnist Diane Francis, one of Canada’s best known and most provocative business writers, says that Canada and the U.S. haven’t gone far enough.

In her controversial new book, "Merger of the Century: Why Canada and America Should Become One Country," Francis argues that in order for the two countries to take on the world’s  increasingly complex economic challenges, they need to become one nation.

She warns that the cost of doing nothing could have serious consequences, especially for the Arctic.


I don't agree with the writer's ideas of how Alaska and the Arctic regions of Canada might merge ("Could it be like Germany? Or could we do it like the European Union where we create a fourth level of government?"), but it's not necessarily a bad idea ... in theory.

The article is here. 

After you've read it, I'd like to hear your thoughts.

6 comments:

TinCan Assassin said...

Me thinks the Queen would object. As would most Canadians.

Rev. Paul said...

As would we all. An economic partnership, even a treaty? Sure.

A political merger? Not so much.

Well Seasoned Fool said...

She is correct about the Canadian Navy. Want to pick up the cost for a proper Navy, eh?

Rev. Paul said...

We'll pass.

There was a boatswain's mate on my destroyer who'd served a hitch in the Royal Canadian Navy before switching to the USN. Strangely enough, he's the only one I ever met ... or heard of.

Chickenmom said...

And who, pray tell, would 'control' all of these vast resources? A king, a queen or a president?

Rev. Paul said...

Exactly, Chickenmom. Per the Alaska Constitution, the citizens of Alaska own its natural resources. I have no idea how the Canadians handle theirs, but it's a subject for much study, if it's to be considered at all.