By David Dunlop, 1 February 2025
We're seeing some suggestions about how to respond to President Trump's recent actions. Some are suggesting, and I agree, that we buy Alaska and make it the 11th province. The original Alaskan Purchase from the Russian Empire in 1867 (the same year Canada became a country) was for $7.2 Million USD ($142 Million in 2023 USD prices, or $206 Million CAD in 2025 prices). Canada could be generous, though, and round-up the purchase price offer to a cool $¼ Billion CAD - just to be fair. I’m sure Canada could persuade Governor Mike Dunleavy to become the 11th Premier of Canada with free inter-provincial/territorial trade with the rest of Canada. The residents of Alaska would very much like to become Canadian citizens vs Donald Trump’s alternatives. Not a bad deal to become citizens of the True North Strong and Free. There are some things that would have to be negotiated beforehand though. A positive vote (50.1% will suffice) from all Alaskan residents. Once the vote has been taken, US Military Bases/Equipment would have to go to Canada once the purchase was finalized, or President Trump would have to negotiate those things away to the Canadian government and establish a US Consulate in Juneau, Alaska. And, of course the Gulf of Alaska would be re-named Gulf of Canada. For all of that, Canadian Alaskan Residents in the Province of Alaska would receive more-than-generous free health care, dental & pharma-care and $10 a day (CAD) child care, Old Age Security (OAS), Canada Pension Plan (CPP). Oh yes, Trump’s 25% tarriffs on Canada would not apply to the Great Province of Alaska!
5 thoughts on “Alaska – Canada’s 11th Province”
I hate to get political, but none of this would be going on if Canada had heeded Trump warnings on fixing the border.
Good morning Dave,
Your comment assumes two things:
1. Canada was not dealing with its responsibilities vis-a-vis the US border issue in an effective fashion. Remember that the primary responsibility for securing the US border rests with the Americans.
2. That there is any logic to Trump’s actions and thus there was something that we could have done to avoid this trade war other than groveling surrender.
Personally, I believe that the border has nothing to do with this mess. It is an excuse for trying to achieve/address other goals/motivations. Trump’s actions are out of all proportion to the actual situation at the Canada-US border and divert resources that could have been used by both countries to beef up border controls even further.
Ubique,
Les
Hello Les. Para 1 of your comment that Canada has not been dealing with its border responsibilities in an effective fashion has merit and we should and must be doing more. I also believe that both countries should share the security of the border from both sides. If that means more $$ from the Canadian side, then so, be, it! Agree totally with you on Para 2 and your last statement! Cheers!
Fix the border? You really believe that he is doing his thing because of fentanyl? It is nothing other than his usual “I’m the best thing since sliced bread” crap. How about Canada pays the tariffs ONLY if he stops all of the gun smuggling from US to Canada? How about we spend money fixing the border by stopping every single American who wants to come in? Search everything they try to come in with?
Hello Johanne. Interesting perspective. Taking guns away from Americans coming into Canada happens all the time (if they are found). Correct me if I’m wrong, but I believe what normally happens is the seized weapons are sent back to the American side Custom Agents and they deal with the individuals there. If they find the guns before crossing into Canada, I believe the weapon(s) are normally held there until the US citizen returns and are usually given back to the resident only if they have a permit to carry. I like your suggestion of paying the Trump tariffs only if they stop all the illegal guns coming into Canada. My suggestion would be for the CBSA to permanently seize the guns at the Canadian border and never give them back at all; after which the guns would be destroyed here in Canada.