I am a proud Canadian and member of the Canadian media who has been deeply unsettled by the suggestion that Canada could become the 51st State of the United States. If President Trump believes that we will willingly renounce our autonomy, he simply doesn't know us right. We Canadians cherish our sovereignty, our homeland, and our unique Canadian identity, values, and heritage.

As a member of the G7, Canada is one of the most developed nations in the world, with the 10th largest economy as of 2020, based on GDP [source: World Bank]. We have a distinct culture, social structure, legal system, and political values that should not be subsumed under those of another nation. We do not want to lose what we have fought so hard to build and preserve.

No to any proposal that threatens to make Canada the 51st State. Instead, we should be working towards strengthening our position on the world stage and making progress on issues that matter most to Canadians. Our sovereignty is not negotiable. Please join me in sending a clear message that we will fiercely protect our homeland and our independence. Sign this petition to support the preservation of Canadian sovereignty.