Sen. Bernie Sanders has sparked conversation on social media with a post tying universal health care to an idea floated by President-elect Donald Trump. According to The Associated Press (AP), at a dinner with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in November, Trump jokingly suggested that Canada become the 51st state of the United States of America.
In Sanders' post on X, he wrote:
"Trump has suggested that Canada become the 51st state in our union. Does that mean we can adopt the Canadian health care system and guarantee health care to all, lower the cost of prescription drugs and spend 50% less per capita on health care? I’m all for it."
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Sanders, a longtime proponent of universal health care, has drawn attention to Canada's single-payer health care model. According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI), in 2020, Canada’s per capita spending on health care was CA$7,507 (USD$5,220), less than half the United States per capita spending of CA$15,275 (USD$10,622). Sanders has frequently criticized the U.S. health care system for its high costs and gaps in access.
Trump's comment about Canada becoming the 51st state was made during a meeting with Trudeau at Mar-a-Lago in November. The meeting, which followed Trump’s threats to impose a 25% tariff on Canadian goods, came at Trudeau's request. According to AP, the meeting was overall positive and covered subjects including trade, border security, fentanyl, defense, Ukraine, NATO, China and pipelines.
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The notion of Canada becoming a U.S. state has been explored, typically as a thought experiment. Constitutional experts cited by the National Post highlighted the significant political, legal and cultural hurdles such a transition would face. Both nations must agree to monumental changes, including constitutional amendments in the U.S. and Canada relinquishing its sovereignty.
AP also pointed out that Canada is a vital economic partner to the U.S., with 77% of its exports going to American markets. Canada also supplies critical resources, such as energy and minerals, to the U.S., which would make any trade disruption mutually damaging.
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While Trump's statehood comment may not have been serious, Sanders' response has reignited debates over health care in the U.S. Many Americans consider Canada's system a model for reducing costs and improving access. However, opponents argue that implementing such a system in the U.S. would be complicated and expensive.
Though the concept of Canada becoming the 51st state remains speculative at best, it has provided a platform for renewed discussion on trade, immigration and health care policy. Whether prompted by Sanders’ advocacy for universal health care or Trump's tariff threats, the conversation underscores the interconnectedness of U.S.-Canada relations.
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