When U.S.-Canadian Tensions Run High

Tensions are running a little higher than normal between Canada and the United States ever since Trump took office. Donald Trump has repeatedly mocked our prime minister and stated that Canada isn't a viable nation. He’s expressed his intentions for Canada to become the 51st state. While funny to many Americans, this joke doesn't land well in Canada. Understandably, Canadians really have no interest in losing their nation.

Today marks the start of new tariffs between Canada and the US if Trump's plans proceed. Canada has promised to retaliate. The Premier of Ontario has threatened to cut off Canada’s electricity supply to the United States.

I've seen a lot of expressions of frustration with Trump's actions here in Canada. On Saturday Night Live, comedian Mike Myers captured some of the Canadian spirit. He revealed a T-shirt that said “Canada is Not for Sale” while making an elbows-up action. "Elbows-up" is a hockey term indicating that Canadians are ready to fight back as they feel increasingly threatened by the U.S.

I can't remember a time like this before. Canada and the United States have enjoyed a close relationship. I think of Canada and the US like New Zealand and Australia. We are clearly the junior partner and like to maintain a strong identity that's partially defined by not being American. At the same time, we appreciate the United States and enjoy being close to this great nation.

It's hard to know where things will go as the relationship between the nations continues to experience tension.

As I was thinking about this week, my mind went back to 1995, a time when Quebec was voting to separate from Canada. The vote was very close, and it looked like the separatists might win. (The final vote was 49.42% to become sovereign, and 50.58% to stay.) Tensions ran high between Quebec and the rest of Canada. Everyone seemed to have an opinion.

Around that time, our denomination held its annual meeting. A representative from Quebec presented a resolution for discussion. The resolution affirmed that, regardless of any developments between Quebec and the rest of Canada, our churches will maintain their commitment to each other. We wouldn't let politics divide us; we would remain united around what matters most—the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Ultimately, our citizenship is in heaven, whether Canadian or American. I have strong feelings about what's going on right now, but these strong feelings don't matter as much as the gospel. I don't know what's going to happen, and I hope things don't get much worse. But I'm convinced that we should resolve that, no matter what happens politically, both Canadian and American churches should continue to focus on the gospel of Jesus Christ and our common citizenship.

We won't let politics divide us. Yes, we may express our opinions in certain ways, but these can never eclipse the issues that matter most. A Quebecer taught me this lesson, and I'm glad because I need to practice it now.