A recent poll indicates that a significant majority of Canadians find U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra's claim that President Donald Trump's suggestion for Canada to become the 51st state is a compliment to be offensive. The survey, conducted earlier this month, reveals that 78% of respondents disagree with Hoekstra's assertion, while only 11% support it. The remaining participants either expressed uncertainty or did not provide an opinion.

Asa McKercher, a political scientist and the Hudson Chair in Canada-U.S. Relations at St. Francis Xavier University, commented on the findings. He noted that Canada's identity has historically been shaped by a rejection of American annexation. "Canada’s sort of very existence is due to people basically rejecting becoming American," he stated. He highlighted that English and French Canadians united to resist American invasions during the American Revolution and the War of 1812.

McKercher also pointed out that in the 1948 Newfoundland referendum, residents chose to join Canada rather than pursue statehood with the U.S. He emphasized that this sentiment has been a unifying factor for Canadians throughout their history.

Among the 11% of Canadians who view Hoekstra's comment as a compliment, McKercher suggested that it reflects a common American belief that everyone aspires to be American. He noted that the poll's results are particularly interesting among Generation Z, where 27% agree with Hoekstra's perspective.

"Maybe they have less attachment to what Canada is," McKercher said, attributing this to economic challenges faced by younger Canadians. He pointed out that many in this demographic perceive higher per capita incomes in the U.S. compared to Canada, which has not been as favorable for them as it was for previous generations.

The survey also revealed varying levels of agreement across age groups. Among those aged 25 to 34, 13% agreed with Hoekstra, while 12% of those aged 35 to 54 and only 5% of Canadians aged 55 and older shared this view.

Geographically, support for Hoekstra's comments was highest in the Prairie provinces, where 17% agreed. McKercher noted that these areas have a higher population of individuals with American ancestry, which may influence their perspectives. In contrast, only 10% of respondents in British Columbia and 11% in Ontario agreed with the ambassador. The numbers were lower in Quebec at 8% and Atlantic Canada at 7%.

When asked what Hoekstra could do to gain Canadian approval, McKercher humorously suggested, "I think he would have to say, ‘I’m resigning as ambassador.’" He remarked that while Hoekstra effectively communicates the Trump administration's stance, he struggles to connect with Canadians.

The online survey, which included 1,231 Canadian adults, was conducted from November 12 to 14. The results were weighted by gender, age, and region to accurately reflect the population based on the 2021 census.