作为加拿大公民，我绝不希望加拿大沦为美国的第51个州（观点，中英对照）

加拿大与美国的关系长期以来既充满合作，也存在紧张。作为一名加拿大人，我为加国自豪，无法接受将我们国家变成美国的第51个州的提议。加拿大独特的身份、全民医疗体系、较严格的枪支管控法律以及理性的政治环境，都是加国的特有优势和成功标志。尽管加拿大的领导层面临诸多挑战，但在唐纳德·特朗普的治国政策下的美国令人更为担忧，其将带来美国社会政治混乱并直接威胁民主制度。特朗普上台不久，美国社会就经历了严重的动荡，凸显了这个国家内部的深刻分裂，而这种动荡和分裂是我无论如何不愿在加拿大看到的。

Canada's relationship with the United States has long been characterized by both cooperation and tension. As a proud Canadian, I firmly reject the notion of our nation becoming the 51st state. Our distinct identity, universal healthcare system, stricter gun control laws, and a more measured political landscape are integral to who we are. While Canada's leadership has its challenges, the prospect of U.S. governance—especially under figures like Donald Trump—raises concerns about potential political chaos and threats to our democratic institutions. The early days of Trump's presidency were marked by significant turmoil, underscoring the deep divisions within American society—divisions I am reluctant to see mirrored in Canada.

然而不可否认，那些要求加紧美，加关系，甚至让加拿大并入美国的呼声，也有其特定的经济背景，不应忽视。美国拥有强势的货币、较低的企业税率以及更广阔的就业市场使其经济体系在多方面成为全球翘楚。美国的工资水平通常高于加拿大，许多行业也因更加激烈的市场竞争而受益。尽管大多数加拿大人反对与美国合并，但支持者也不在少数。最近的民调显示，有15%的加拿大人赞成加入美国。这种支持势力在加国年轻人中尤为明显。Ipsos 的一项调查显示，如果能够获得美国公民身份并确保其资产转换成美元，43% 的18至34岁加拿大人愿意投票支持成为美国公民。

However, the economic arguments for closer ties, or even annexation, cannot be entirely dismissed. The United States boasts a stronger dollar, lower corporate taxes, and a larger job market, making its economy appealing in several respects. Wages in the U.S. are generally higher, and many industries benefit from a more competitive business environment. While the majority of Canadians oppose the idea of joining the U.S., a notable minority supports it. Recent polls indicate that 15% of Canadians are in favor of annexation, with support particularly pronounced among younger Canadians. An Ipsos poll revealed that 43% of Canadians aged 18-34 would vote to become American if guaranteed U.S. citizenship and the conversion of assets to U.S. dollars.

但除这些经济因素的考虑之外，包括我在内的许多加拿大人对与美国的合并感到忧虑。加拿大独特的国家身份、社会政策以及政局稳定让我们倍感骄傲和自豪，而美国的政治环境却让人感到充满了严重的分裂和政策未卜，特别是在像唐纳德·特朗普这样的领导人执政下，这让人不得不担心其给加拿大的民主制度和社会凝聚力产生的负面影响。尽管与美国深度融合可能带来一定的经济利益，但它却会给加拿大人所极其珍视的社会理念和国家主权造成威胁。

Despite these economic considerations, many Canadians, including myself, are apprehensive about such a union. We value Canada's distinct identity, social policies, and political stability. The political climate in the U.S., marked by deep divisions and policy unpredictability, especially under leaders like Donald Trump, raises concerns about potential impacts on Canadian democracy and social cohesion. While deeper economic integration with the U.S. might offer certain financial advantages, it could also compromise the social policies and national identity that many Canadians hold dear.

因此，加拿大面临着两难困境：在面对特朗普提倡的关税保护主义和贸易战面前，应如何在保持国家主权的同时，确保加国经济的稳定和发展？

This presents a dilemma: How can we preserve our sovereignty while ensuring economic resilience, especially in the face of potential U.S. protectionism and trade uncertainties?

加拿大的经济实力并非必须依赖美国，而是可以通过自身潜力实现增长。我们不应只盯着美国，而忽视了国内各省之间的经济合作。充分挖掘省际贸易的潜力，不仅能抵消美国关税的影响，还能减少对单一贸易伙伴的依赖。有研究表明，如果加拿大消除内部贸易壁垒，经济增长可提升高达2000亿加元。这一增长不仅能增强本国市场的韧性，还能降低对美国市场的依赖，使我们在面对美国的关税和贸易保护主义时更加从容，不再被动受制。这一经济前景让人充满信心，加拿大完全可以凭借自身力量，实现长期稳定的发展。

Canada’s economic strength doesn’t have to come from closer ties with the U.S.—it can come from within. Instead of looking south for opportunities, we should be looking across our own provinces. Tapping into the full potential of interprovincial trade could help offset the impact of U.S. tariffs and reduce our reliance on a single trading partner. Studies suggest that eliminating internal trade barriers could boost our economy by as much as $200 billion annually—a level of growth that would reduce our dependence on U.S. markets and make us more resilient against American tariffs or protectionist policies.

显然，加拿大应依靠自身实力实现经济繁荣，而不是沦为美国的附庸。我们应当深挖国内市场的潜力，促进各省之间的团结合作，激发内部经济活力。如果我们专注于培育本土市场，优化境内贸易体系，就能够创造更多发展机遇，而不必被美国政坛的风云变幻所左右。加拿大的未来不应由华盛顿的决策来主导，而应由加拿大人民的智慧与韧性共同塑造。

I want to see Canada thrive on its own terms, not as an extension of another country but as a nation that stands strong through cooperation between its own people. If we focus on fostering domestic markets and strengthening trade within our borders, we can create new opportunities that don’t depend on the whims of American politics. Our future shouldn’t be dictated by the decisions made in Washington—it should be shaped by the resilience and ingenuity of Canadians.

加拿大应是一个能够根据自身能力寻求繁荣发展，具有高度独立和坚韧性，团结自强国家。我绝不希望她成为美国的第51个州。

This is my hope: that Canada can stand strong, independent, and economically secure—not as the 51st state, but as a unified nation that finds prosperity on its own terms.