How Much Would Canada Save on Military Protection if It Joined the U.S. as the 51st State?
If Canada became the 51st state of the United States, it could potentially save billions of dollars on military protection, as defense responsibilities would shift entirely to the U.S. Armed Forces. Currently, Canada maintains its own military, but statehood would eliminate the need for independent defense spending.
Canada spends approximately $26–30 billion USD per year on its military, which covers
- The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), including the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
- Defense commitments to NATO and NORAD, particularly in Arctic and border security.
- Procurement of new military equipment, including fighter jets and warships.
As a U.S. state, Canada would fall under full U.S. military protection, meaning
- The Pentagon would take over national defense, removing the need for a separate Canadian military.
- U.S. Army, Navy, and Air Force bases would expand operations in Canada.
- NATO obligations would be fulfilled through the U.S. rather than Canada.
If Canada joined the U.S., it could
- Save up to $30 billion per year by eliminating independent military spending.
- Redirect funds to healthcare, infrastructure, or education, significantly benefiting Canadians.
- Receive increased U.S. defense funding, leading to stronger protection without local costs.
Joining the U.S. could allow Canada to save tens of billions annually on military costs, freeing up resources for domestic priorities. However, this would come at the cost of military independence, shifting security decisions to Washington. The financial benefits would be significant, but the political implications would require careful consideration.
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