When I was in elementary school, my parents took us to visit relatives in Illinois and Pennsylvania. After visiting family, we drove north to Buffalo and visited Niagara Falls, then crossed the Canadian border and visited historical forts and parks. It was my first time in another country. There was no need to obtain passports and the border crossings were easy. I did not see much difference between the United States and Canada except that I heard French spoken for the first time.
My next encounter with Canada was in 2006 when I managed natural gas and power trading in the North Region of the Americas. I was responsible for three Canadian offices: Cambridge (a Toronto suburb), Calgary, and Vancouver. I traveled to these offices at least quarterly for reviews and discussions with Canadian employees. I met Canadian customers and attended industry conferences.
I grew to love the Canadian people and their beautiful country. I developed deep friendships which continue to this day. What I learned is that Canadians are normally humble and respectful of others. They love spending time enjoying their stunningly beautiful environment and are committed to preserving it. They are as patriotic about being Canadian as Americans are about being American. Many have family connections with Americans and travel regularly across the long border between Canada and America. Their government and culture are more aligned with the British and French, primarily because of their historical roots with these two European countries. Almost 90 years after the American colonies fought the War of Independence against England, Canada became a sovereign nation. It is a Commonwealth Nation with the British monarchy as head of state.
Two years after I retired, my wife and I visited Canadian friends during the summer of 2016. We flew to Victoria, the capital of the British Columbia providence. It resides on the large island of Vancouver. Their condo is located a mile south of Sidney-by-the-Sea, a quaint town on the Saanich Peninsula that faces the Pacific Ocean with a view towards the west coast of the state of Washington. When we walked inside their condo and looked through their glass windows at the Pacific Ocean, we were stunned by the magnificent beauty. After a 5-day visit, we decided to go back and look for a summer home.
By sheer luck, we bought the condo next to our friends in 2017 and have spent summers there. We have deepened our love for the Canadian people and their country. Our condo neighbors welcomed us, along with our church and surrounding community. I never tire of being outside. Walking along the beach or sipping wine on the patio during the long summer evenings is always a treat. We enjoy the Sunday music by the sea, bike rides, and trying new cuisines with friends. We love Canadians and the Canadians have showered their love on us.
During past discussions with Canadian friends, I learned that Canadians fear being taken over by the US. I was surprised at their fears since I had never heard it expressed in the US for Canada to be incorporated as a state or states. Canadians attentively follow US politics since it affects their lives. Shortly after the new administration began, disparaging and disrespectful remarks towards Canada were issued along with oppressive tariffs. Canada reacted swiftly and firmly; Canada did not wish to be part of the United States and would retaliate with their own tariffs.
My Canadian friends are now rightly upset and fearful for their independence and economy. They are now boycotting American products and canceling US travel. Instead of working together as close allies with over two hundred years of peaceful relations and thousands of miles of a common border, Canadians presently view the US government as hostile. Canada allied with the US during WWI, WWII, the Korean War, Persian Gulf War, Bosnian War, Kosovo War, East Timor Conflict, Afghanistan War, Libyan Civil War, Iraqi Civil War, and the current Red Sea Crisis. Canada led one of the five Normandy Beach landings during WWII, alongside the UK and American landings. It was the Canadian Embassy staff who bravely freed six American diplomats in Tehran in 1974. I remember the heartfelt American response of gratitude towards Canada.
Would the US rather have China, Russia, Iran, or North Korea on their northern border? Economic theory shows that open border competitive trade is best for all consumers. Are those embracing American capitalism afraid to compete freely and fairly with Canadian labor, one-tenth the size of the American population? Our US democracy values the right of nations to choose their own government. Then why bully a peaceful ally who wants to remain a sovereign nation?
How do faithful Christians respond? Christ calls for his followers to be humble. Paul writes to the church in Colossi: “As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.” (Colossians 3:12) The world knows that the US has the most powerful economy and military in the world. Threats and bullying tactics are more akin to Russian tactics and do not endear the aggressor. President Teddy Roosevelt, referring to a West African proverb, said: “Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far.” Christ went even further in his Sermon on the Mount: “But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” (Matthew 5:44) The Canadians are not our enemies and deserve our love, respect, and support.
Community does not stop at the border. Moving the US to a better place does not mean downgrading our neighbors. The Kingdom is worldwide, not singular. If there are problems, then treating one another with respect and listening to the other side is far more effective than social media slurs. I pray for calmer leadership that brings back the historic trust between two great democracies. Canada and America share so many common attributes and values, including our love for Christ. We should work together in love.
