Should B.C. Become a U.S. State?

U.S. President Donald Trump has openly floated the idea of Canada becoming the 51st state, even referring to Trudeau as Governor instead of Prime Minister. Although the topic of American annexation is comical, this has sparked discussion on what Canada joining America would even look like. 

So, how would British Columbia fare as a state?

First, let’s take a look at one of the most pressing concerns if Canada joined America; healthcare. Currently, Canada enjoys a universal healthcare system where care is given based on need rather than ability to pay. This is famously not the situation in America which is one of the last countries globally to not have single-payer healthcare. 

If B.C. were to join, it's very likely that some contingent would have to be made on the healthcare services. If not, B.C. would have to accept the American status quo which could lower taxes but a rise in medical bankruptcy and private costs, as is the case in the United States. 

The next major contention is banking and communications.

Canadian banks are much smaller than U.S. banks and would likely be pushed out of the market by the likes of JP Morgan Chase and Wells Fargo. Many British Columbians would have to switch over and convert all their Canadian dollars into U.S. dollars. Phone companies as well like Rogers and Telus would also be replaced by companies such as AT&T and T-Mobile. 

There is also likely to be more U.S. investment in the region. If British Columbia adopted a Washington State tax system, many startups could be founded in the Lower Mainland and more development could be put into resource extraction in the northern part of the province. Hollywood studios could place more film sets in Vancouver as well.

The city is already known as “Hollywood North” and joining America would lower financial barriers.

Ultimately, while B.C. joining America is a fun thought exercise (or a scary one depending on how you feel), it's likely not actually on the table. A recent poll found that only 18% of B.C. residents want to become the 51st state, the lowest of any province, and Trump is likely teasing Trudeau, given the rocky relationship between the two. While B.C. may hate or love Ottawa, the national capital won’t be swapped out for Washington, D.C. anytime soon.

Would you entertain the idea of a 51st state?