File this one under “bold ideas”: Canadian businessman and Shark Tank star Kevin O’Leary, known as “Mr. Wonderful,” wants to merge Canada with the United States. During an appearance on Fox Business, O’Leary announced his plan to lobby President-elect Trump at Mar-a-Lago to erase the border between the two countries and create what he’s calling an “economic union.”
O’Leary envisions a unified North America with a shared currency, an “EU-like passport,” and seamless trade. “Think about the power of combining the two economies,” he said, pointing out Canada’s vast natural resources—energy, water, and minerals—coupled with the U.S.’s economic and military might. He argues this would strengthen both nations, especially given the increasing geopolitical threats from China and Russia.
And let’s not forget his dig at Canadian leadership. O’Leary didn’t mince words about Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, saying, “Nobody wants Trudeau to negotiate this deal. I don’t want him doing it for me.” Instead, O’Leary is appointing himself as the go-to Canadian for this hypothetical mega-merger. Confident much?
NEW: Shark Tank's Kevin O'Leary, a Canadian, says he likes the idea of combining the US and Canadian economies, says he is heading to Mar-a-Lago to start the talks.
O'Leary said half of Canadians are interested in Trump's proposal.
"[Canadians] want to hear more… what this… pic.twitter.com/ss2sjIADBC
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) December 26, 2024
Trump, for his part, seems open to the idea. Earlier this month, he posted on Truth Social about Canada potentially becoming the 51st state, questioning why the U.S. subsidizes its northern neighbor to the tune of $100 million a year. His pitch? Canadians would save on taxes and gain military protection under U.S. governance. “51st State!!!” Trump exclaimed. Subtle, as always.
While O’Leary claims that “half of Canadians” might be interested in this idea, it’s worth questioning whether his numbers hold up. Many Canadians take pride in their national identity and might not be eager to swap Ottawa for Washington, D.C. as their political center. Moreover, merging two countries with distinct political systems, healthcare policies, and tax structures is a logistical nightmare that would make even the most ambitious bureaucrat break into a cold sweat.
But let’s humor O’Leary’s vision for a moment. A unified North America would be a geopolitical powerhouse. The combined GDP would dwarf any other country, natural resources would be unparalleled, and trade barriers would disappear. The idea may be far-fetched, but it’s not without intrigue.
Still, one thing’s for sure: the mere suggestion of merging two countries is guaranteed to stir controversy on both sides of the border. Whether this is a serious proposal or just Kevin O’Leary being Kevin O’Leary, it’s certainly got people talking. Let the debate begin!
I see a problem… if you think California and a few others are voting swing states can you imagine liberal Canada as a 51st state. We would have Democrats in office forever. No thanks, let them have their liberal system and socialized medicine but keep in the country of Canada.