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Canada Lawmaker Suggests Letting 3 US States Join, Get Free Health Care

Imagine waking up one day to find that California, Oregon, and Washington were no longer part of the United States—but part of Canada instead. It sounds like the premise of a political thriller or an alternate history novel, but it’s a real suggestion that recently made waves.

Canadian Green Party leader Elizabeth May floated the idea that these three U.S. states, known for their progressive policies, could hypothetically join Canada and enjoy universal health care. While the notion is far from a serious political plan, it taps into something deeper: the growing frustration among many Americans over healthcare access, gun laws, and social policies.

What Was Actually Said?

At a recent press conference, Canadian Green Party leader Elizabeth May made a statement that turned heads on both sides of the border: California, Oregon, and Washington—three U.S. states known for their progressive policies—could hypothetically join Canada and gain access to its universal healthcare system. While her remark wasn’t a serious political proposal, it quickly ignited debate about healthcare, governance, and the stark differences between Canadian and American policies.

May framed her comment as a reflection on shared values, particularly in areas like climate action, social programs, and gun control. She highlighted that many people in these states are deeply frustrated with U.S. policies—especially when it comes to healthcare access, which remains a hotly contested issue in America. Canada’s publicly funded healthcare system, which provides medical services to all residents regardless of income, stood in stark contrast to the high costs and insurance complexities faced by Americans.

Though her words were more of a rhetorical statement than a roadmap for political change, they struck a nerve. The idea of U.S. states breaking away and aligning with Canada may seem far-fetched, but it taps into a broader conversation about national identity, political dissatisfaction, and the real-world impact of policy decisions. So, could something like this ever happen? And even if it’s unlikely, what does this moment tell us about the deeper divides shaping public opinion in North America?

Could This Ever Happen? The Political and Legal Reality

As intriguing as the idea might sound, the reality is that U.S. states can’t simply “join” another country—even if there were overwhelming support from residents. The U.S. Constitution does not provide a legal pathway for individual states to secede and align with another nation. Any such move would require not only state-level approval but also the consent of the U.S. federal government, something that has historically been considered nearly impossible. The last serious attempt at secession led to the American Civil War, and since then, the legal and political barriers to such a move have only strengthened.

On the Canadian side, the process wouldn’t be any simpler. Canada’s Constitution does not have a framework for absorbing new territories that aren’t already under its control. While Canada has occasionally been floated as a potential home for regions dissatisfied with U.S. policies—such as during discussions of Quebec’s independence or Alaska’s historical ties to the Yukon—there has never been a precedent for incorporating fully functioning U.S. states into the federation. Even if California, Oregon, and Washington wanted to make the switch, both Canadian and U.S. governments would have to negotiate every aspect of governance, from taxes and legal systems to military alliances and economic policies.

Beyond the legal challenges, there are also major practical and logistical barriers. These states have economies that are deeply intertwined with the rest of the U.S., and integrating them into Canada would involve significant shifts in trade agreements, healthcare systems, and social policies. There would also be strong political resistance on both sides of the border—while some Americans might be intrigued by Canada’s universal healthcare and gun laws, others would see it as a radical and unwelcome move. Similarly, Canadians might not be eager to take on the complexities of governing an additional 50 million people with vastly different economic and political landscapes.

Why Did This Comment Resonate?

Elizabeth May’s offhand remark may not have been a serious proposal, but it struck a chord with many Americans—especially in the three states she mentioned. At its core, her statement tapped into growing dissatisfaction with the U.S. healthcare system, gun policies, and broader governance issues. For many residents of California, Oregon, and Washington—states that have leaned progressive for years—the idea of aligning with a country that provides universal healthcare, stricter gun laws, and stronger climate policies is an appealing one.

Healthcare, in particular, is a major factor driving the fascination with Canada. The U.S. remains one of the few developed nations without a universal healthcare system, leaving millions of Americans struggling with high medical costs, insurance bureaucracy, and medical debt. Meanwhile, Canadians receive publicly funded healthcare that covers doctor visits, hospital stays, and essential treatments without out-of-pocket costs. For those frustrated with the high price of medical care in the U.S., the thought of “joining” Canada—even hypothetically—is an attractive fantasy.

Beyond healthcare, the three West Coast states May referenced have frequently found themselves at odds with national policies. From environmental regulations to gun control laws, these states have often passed progressive measures that contrast sharply with federal decisions. The idea of shifting northward—even symbolically—reflects deeper political frustrations and a sense that their values align more closely with Canada’s than with other parts of the United States.

At the same time, this isn’t the first time such ideas have been floated. After divisive presidential elections, movements like “Calexit” (California’s hypothetical secession) have gained traction as a form of protest. While these ideas rarely have serious political backing, they highlight how deep the divisions within the U.S. have become. May’s comment may have been lighthearted, but it underscores a reality that many Americans are grappling with—the question of whether their government truly represents their needs and values.

What Americans Can Learn from Canada’s Health Care System

While the idea of U.S. states joining Canada is more of a thought experiment than a serious political discussion, it does highlight a very real issue—healthcare. May’s remarks resonated because they tapped into a long-standing frustration among Americans about the cost, accessibility, and efficiency of their healthcare system. Canada’s universal healthcare model, often cited as a key national achievement, provides a stark contrast to the private insurance-based system in the U.S.

At its core, Canada’s healthcare system is publicly funded, meaning that all citizens and permanent residents have access to essential medical services without direct out-of-pocket costs. Doctor visits, hospital stays, and necessary procedures are covered through taxes, making healthcare a guaranteed service rather than a financial burden. In contrast, the U.S. operates a patchwork system where access to healthcare is often tied to employment, insurance premiums, and copayments—leading to a situation where millions of Americans either lack coverage or face significant medical debt.

But is Canada’s system perfect? Not entirely. While Canadians don’t face the same financial barriers to healthcare as Americans, they do deal with long wait times for certain non-emergency procedures and a system that can sometimes struggle with capacity issues. However, despite these challenges, the vast majority of Canadians prefer their system over the U.S. model. In surveys, Canadians overwhelmingly support universal healthcare and see it as a fundamental right rather than a privilege based on income or employment.

The U.S. has debated healthcare reform for decades, with proposals ranging from expanding Medicaid and Medicare to implementing a single-payer system similar to Canada’s. However, political gridlock and the powerful influence of private insurance companies have made significant reforms difficult to achieve. The fact that May’s comments sparked such interest shows how deeply many Americans desire a more equitable and accessible healthcare system.

A Fun Idea, But What’s Next?

Elizabeth May’s remark about U.S. states joining Canada was never meant to be a serious proposal, but the fact that it resonated so strongly speaks volumes. Beneath the lightheartedness of the idea lies a deeper frustration—one that many Americans feel about healthcare, governance, and their country’s political direction. The idea of aligning with Canada isn’t really about borders; it’s about values. Universal healthcare, gun control, and progressive policies are things that many Americans—especially in states like California, Oregon, and Washington—wish they had more of.

Of course, the reality is that redrawing national lines is nearly impossible. The legal, economic, and political obstacles to such a shift make it a non-starter. But that doesn’t mean the conversation ends here. If nothing else, May’s comments offer a reminder that big policy changes are possible—just not through annexation. The U.S. has long debated healthcare reform, and public support for a more equitable system continues to grow. If Canada’s model appeals to so many Americans, perhaps it’s time for policymakers to take a closer look at what’s working north of the border and explore ways to improve healthcare access at home.

At the end of the day, no U.S. state is joining Canada, and no Canadian province is seeking to merge with the U.S. But the discussion sparked by this idea is worth paying attention to. It highlights the growing dissatisfaction among Americans who feel their government isn’t prioritizing their needs and reminds us that better systems do exist—they just require the political will to implement them. Whether it’s through state-level reforms or larger federal policy shifts, the real question isn’t about joining Canada—it’s about making the U.S. a place where people don’t feel like they need to look elsewhere for better healthcare and governance.

Featured image via https://www.instagram.com/elizabethemay/

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