Relationship Between Canada And The United States

Today, Canada and the United States are always mentioned in the same conversation. Being neighbouring allies, major trading partners, and having a long history of cooperation between each other, makes it difficult to show what Canada has to offer. We, as a country, have slowly been assimilated into American culture. Due to this loss of identity, Canada has become the United States shadow. As Canadians, we have become an extension of the United States, which has caused our individuality as a nation to be lost. This notion will be shown through Canada’s economic ties with the United States, defence relationship, and America’s dominance of media in Canada. The Canadian economy largely resembles the United States. This is due to similarities
The manufacturing industry in Canada is huge as labour cost is low which attracts the attention of major automobile companies in the U.S. By doing so, the cars sold and owned in Canada are mostly American brands. In fact, as of April 2018, the top three brands of cars sold in Canada are Ford, Toyota, and Chevrolet which is American. Although the cars are made in Canada, the majority of them are American, showing how Canada’s automobile industry is largely controlled by the U.S. Furthermore, the softwood lumber industry in Canada, providing thousands of jobs for people, is one of the most important relationships with the United States. The United States market has depended on imported lumber for the past 25 years. The lumber has injected nearly $23 billion
Although this is true, America is starting to take over within the country as well. The United States dominance of media in Canada shapes countless individuals’ minds into thinking the ‘American’ way. One of the main ways the States are able to manipulate Canadians is through music. Between a variety of genres, it is clear that America has become the leader of modern day music. On Spotify, the biggest music program, 70% of the top played songs in Canada are from American artists. In Canada, many people have been persuaded by the songs they listen to, to act or be a certain way. Most of these songs are made by Americans. Although music is one of the biggest influencers, movies in Canada have the same effect. A movie known as Avengers: Infinity War broke the Canadian box office on opening day with $19.77 million in sales. This movie was produced by Marvel Studios, an American company. These movies influence the susceptible youth and the Americans slide in subtle, but powerful messages to make the public think or act a certain way. In 2015, Canada’s top movies were put into a list with the top movie called Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner. Which only made $5 million worldwide. Meanwhile, the Avengers: Infinity War made $250 million only in North America. The difference is clear; the States rule the movie industry. Although the music industry is mainly American, many Canadian