Canadian investor and “Shark Tank” star Kevin O’Leary is making waves after voicing support for a potential economic union between the United States and Canada. During a Fox Business interview on Thursday, O’Leary suggested that President-elect Donald Trump’s vision of Canada becoming the 51st state has ignited a serious discussion north of the border.
“Canadians over the holidays – the last two days – have been talking about this,” O’Leary said. “They want to hear more.”
Trump, 78, has repeatedly floated the idea of integrating Canada into the United States, framing it as a win-win scenario for both nations. O’Leary, a native of Montreal, believes this could mark the start of a transformative economic partnership, potentially reshaping North America’s economic landscape.
O’Leary painted a picture of a powerful alliance that could arise from erasing the border between the two countries.
“Think about the power of combining the two economies, erasing the border between Canada and the United States, and putting all that resource up to the northern borders where China and Russia are knocking on the door,” O’Leary said.
He also floated ideas for a shared currency, streamlined taxes, and a unified passport system, likening it to an EU-style arrangement. O’Leary claimed that “at least half of Canadians” are open to the idea, especially given the promise of lower taxes and increased economic opportunities.
One major obstacle, according to O’Leary, is the current state of Canadian leadership under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his Liberal government. Trudeau’s administration has faced growing criticism for its economic policies, high taxes, and handling of national security issues.
“The Canadian government is collapsing,” O’Leary argued. “Nobody wants Trudeau to negotiate this deal. I don’t want him doing it for me.”
With Trudeau’s term set to end in 2025 and his political future uncertain, O’Leary suggested that Canadian trust in leadership is waning. He expressed confidence in his ability to advocate for Canadian interests and announced plans to visit Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort to “start the narrative.”
“The 41 million Canadians, I think most of them would trust me on this deal,” O’Leary stated.
Trump has been vocal about his vision for Canada joining the United States. In a Christmas Day post on Truth Social, he argued that Canadians would see significant tax relief if they became part of the U.S.
“Canadian taxes are far too high,” Trump wrote. “If Canada was to become our 51st State, their Taxes would be cut by more than 60%.”
Trump also touted the benefits for Canadian businesses, predicting they would “immediately double in size” under U.S. economic policies. Additionally, he highlighted the increased military protection Canada would gain, ensuring its northern territories remain secure from potential threats from China and Russia.
While the idea of a U.S.-Canada union may seem ambitious, it has sparked serious conversation about the potential for deeper economic and security cooperation. For conservatives, the proposal represents an opportunity to align Canada’s resources and workforce with America’s economic might, creating a robust North American alliance capable of countering global adversaries.
As O’Leary takes the first steps to push this narrative forward, one thing is clear: the idea of a united North America has entered the political spotlight, and the coming months may determine whether this bold vision gains traction or fades into the realm of “what if.”
