Fact Check: Canada is part of USA

Fact Check: "Canada is part of USA"

What We Know

The claim that "Canada is part of USA" is fundamentally incorrect. Canada is a sovereign nation, distinct from the United States, with its own government, laws, and constitution. The assertion appears to stem from a misunderstanding or misrepresentation of political statements made by former President Donald Trump, who has jokingly suggested that Canada could become the 51st state. For instance, during remarks with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Trump stated, "We don’t need their cars. We don’t need their energy. We don’t need their lumber. We don’t need anything that they give," implying that Canada should relinquish its sovereignty (Washington Post).

Furthermore, social media has circulated misleading images suggesting that Canada is a corporation owned by the United States, referencing its registration with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). This registration is a standard requirement for foreign governments issuing debt securities in the U.S. market, and does not imply ownership (AFP).

Analysis

The claim that Canada is part of the USA lacks any factual basis. Canada operates as an independent country, recognized internationally, and has its own political and legal systems. The notion that Canada could be annexed or merged with the United States is not only impractical but also constitutionally infeasible. Experts have noted that such a transition would face significant legal and political hurdles (AFP).

Moreover, the misleading claims about Canada being a corporation stem from a misinterpretation of its SEC registration. This registration is a procedural requirement for foreign entities, including sovereign nations, that wish to engage in financial activities within the U.S. market. Michael Dambra, an accounting and law professor, clarified that this does not indicate ownership but rather participation in international finance (AFP).

Statements made by Trump regarding a supposed $200 billion subsidy to Canada have also been fact-checked and debunked. The assertion conflates trade deficits with subsidies, which is a misunderstanding of economic principles. The actual trade deficit with Canada is much smaller, and military spending does not equate to a subsidy (Washington Post, CNN).

Conclusion

Verdict: False
The claim that "Canada is part of USA" is false. Canada is a fully independent nation, and any assertions to the contrary are based on misunderstandings or misrepresentations of political rhetoric and economic data. The notion of Canada being a corporation owned by the United States is also unfounded and stems from a misinterpretation of its SEC registration.

Sources

1. Trump's fantastical claim of a $200 billion 'subsidy' to Canada
2. Canada is not a corporation owned by the United States | Fact Check
3. Fact check: Nine Trump false claims about Canada - CNN
4. Fact check: Trump makes more false claims about Canada ...
5. Canada Archives - FactCheck.org
6. Canada is not a corporation owned by the United States - RTL
7. Fact check: Trump's claims the U.S. subsidizes Canada
8. Fact check: Debunking Trump's false claims about Canada