When U.S. President Donald Trump made comments about erasing the 5,525-mile-long border and making Canada the 51st state of America, many Canadians were quick to roll their eyes.
While Trump’s comments appeared to be widely seen as an attempt to provoke his neighbours, they raised an interesting question—how do local youth view the US Presidents comments? And how do they see their national identity, especially in contrast to the United States?
For many students at University Hill Secondary School, the answer is clear: Canada – a nation of 40 million people and 9.9 million square kilometres – is not America, and they are proud of that fact.
Whether through frustration, humor, or quiet defiance, their reactions provide some insight as to what it means to be Canadian in a time when the U.S now faces deep political and social divisions, and its politicians call the nation’s sovereignty into question.
Some students responded to Trump’s 51st state comments with dismissal. “I think it’s silly, and he’s just saying it to get attention,” said Aaron Liu, a Grade 11 student.
Others were more direct. “He’s a stupid idiot,” said Fernanda Meza, a Grade 10 student, who lived in America during the first term of Trump’s presidency. “I feel pride for being born a Canadian. To see that they voted for Trump again makes me even more connected.”
Meza also pointed out differences she said define Canada. “Free healthcare, more rights, protecting people, accepting immigrants, recognizing Indigenous people,” said Meza. “More freedom and more equality, which is ironic since America is supposed to be the ‘land of the free.’”
lived in the United States during Donald Trump’s first term as President.
His re-election has reinforced her pride as a Canadian, she says.
For some, Trump’s remarks sparked intense patriotism. “My dad started stress baking and immediately put up a Canadian flag in my backyard,” said Mika Sorbow.
Others took a more defiant stance. “No, we have enough self-dignity to not be the 51st state,” said one Grade 11 student who chose to remain anonymous.
And for others, the idea of being annexed by the U.S. felt like an insult.
“I think they see us as weaker,” remarked Alva Wong and Iman Ulmer, both Grade 11 students. “It makes Canadians feel inferior.” Others saw Trump’s comments as an opportunity to define themselves against the U.S. “We’re treating America not just as the country beside us but as a threat, a common enemy. We definitely feel more united,” said Grade 9 student Jared Qin.
None of the students interviewed were convinced Trump’s suggestion was serious, but some held strong opinions about what they would miss if Canada ever became the 51st state.
“My rights,” Meza said without hesitation.
“Free healthcare,” Qin added.
“Feeling safe, probably,” said Liu.
Although only a few months into Trump’s four-year term as President, local students have met the moment with a little pride, a shrug, a joke, and for some, a freshly baked loaf of bread.
CAMI YU IS A GRADE 11 STUDENT AT UNIVERSITY HILL SECONDARY SCHOOL