Children of a Common Mother, What Happened?
How quickly things Change
I was born in Canada, and despite travelling around the globe and considering moving to different parts of the world at various points, I will stay in Canada. I will share a few basic thoughts on why the unfortunate mess is raging with our closest neighbours.
Canada is the second-largest land mass nation on Earth, behind Russia. Worldometer.org’s last estimate places the Canadian population at 40,022,651.
This is where things get interesting. According to the United Nations, Stats Canada and Worldometer.org, if you stretched out all the Canadians across our nation, you would have four citizens per every kilometre. Oh yes, here’s another interesting Canadian fact: People believe the median age of a Canadian citizen is 40.6.
According to Natural Resources of Canada, our nation is full of wealthy natural resources, oil, natural gas, potash, diamonds, gold, diamonds and uranium, to mention a few. We also have some of the best timber in the world. We create hydroelectric power so much that we sell a significant amount to our American neighbours in the south. (More about our southern neighbours in a moment.)
We also have water, yes, water. Our mountain streams feed many lakes, rivers and, eventually, the three oceans that border our nation.
Our nation has experienced only one invasion, which occurred before Canada became an independent nation. This invasion became known as the War of 1812. Our American cousins carried out the invasion (Yes, I am getting to them in a moment.) The Treaty of Ghent was signed in December 1814, restoring the pre-war borders.
Here is a quick history lesson on the border between Canada and the U.S.A.
1783–Treaty of Paris The end of the American War of Independence established the first borders between colonial British territories and the new nation known as the United States of America.
1814–Treaty of Glent This treaty restored the borders to the terms of the 1783 Treaty of Paris.
1818–The Treaty of 1818 set the borders at the 49th parallel from the Lake of the Woods to the Canadian Rockies.
1842–Webster–Ashburton Treaty: This set the international border, including adjustments in the Great Lakes in Maine and New Brunswick.
1846–The Oregon Treaty–set the border at the 49th parallel from the Rockies to the Strait of Georgia.
1908–The Treaty of 1908 further set the international borders, ending any confusion between the young nation of Canada and the United States of America. This created the longest international border in the world, 5,250 miles or 8, 890 kilometres. The border was also a model for the world of how two nations could have a border, without walls, barbed wire and guard towers.
The history lesson is done, at least for the moment.
I am proudly Canadian. I admit our nation has made some horrifying mistakes over time, but we are striving to correct and make changes. We are a nation that celebrates Multiculturalism and diversity, sometimes at our own peril. We have a democratic election system that many Canadians take far too lightly (but this is changing). We are a nation that loves hockey, sometimes far above other things.
Yes, we have two official languages, and, being a multicultural society, we celebrate the many other languages that come to our shores. We as a nation are also learning to embrace the culture, languages and beliefs of our Indigenous. Canada has a long way to go, but we are so blessed with where we are.
Tariffs / Trade Wars / Threats to our Nation.
Yes, as a Canadian, I have travelled across the border to the United States of America many times. I have found most Americans to be friendly and giving people. Sometimes, I do not understand the American culture or political system, but this is alright: the American people and their nation will decide their own affairs. Canadians often referred to Americans as their “American Cousins.”
In 2024, the American population elected a new government and returned a former president to power. This is a good example of how American democracy works, and I am happy for our American neighbours. However, after the American election, many businesses, politicians, and academic thinkers became worried about the future between our two nations.
Unfortunately, in January 2025, U.S.A. President Donald J. Trump realized these fears when he began announcing tariffs:
“President Trump is taking bold action to hold Mexico, Canada, and China accountable to their promises of halting illegal immigration and stopping poisonous fentanyl and other drugs from flowing into our country” Source Whitehouse.gov.
Canada immediately spent over a billion dollars to increase border security, and many politicians admitted the U.S.A. president was correct about the lack of measures at our borders. But the Fentanyl coming across from Canada to the U.S.A. was less than one per cent of illegal drugs into the U.S.A.
A Canadian news outlet, CBC, reported in February 2025 that in the last two years, the Canadian Border Services, also known as the CBSA, reported that illegal drug and weapons seizures have more than doubled in the last two years.
The President of the United States of America has also suggested that Canada should become the 51st state and referred to the Canadian Prime Minister as “Governor.”
To all Americans, imagine that a foreign nation’s leadership met with your president and suggested his nation needs to bow down to their country and join because it is the only smart thing to do. Others would follow this up in government, calling your leader a “Governor or Mayor” Would this go over well with Americans? The other country would also bring forward crippling tariffs despite signing “Free Trade Agreements” with America.
Am I proud to be a Canadian? You are damn right I am.
We have a free society with:
Freedom of Religion
Freedom of sexual orientation
Freedom to live where we want
Free basic Health Care
Self-Expression
Free Elections
Our own Identity
Multi-culturalism
And Much, Much, More
Are we perfect? Far from it, but we are trying!
I have to tell all Americans that Donald J. Trump and the Republicans have performed Canada a HUGE favourite.
You have united Canada in ways no one else ever has! So thank you!
You helped us appreciate who we are, what we are, and how to fly our flag proudly!
Yes, Canada is the True North Strong and Free!
I am Canadian
Author Notes
Yes, I love my country, and the opinions I share are my own. I also created TikTok and Youtube, which were presented.
The historical information shared can be found in any library or online.
Canada now has a crucial Federal Election; I pray every Canadian remembers to vote. Yes, I ask the world to watch our election process. But please do not interfere or try to influence this process.
If you enjoy my writing, please subscribe, and I will refuse a donation to my writing. Also, please comment. You are welcome to share this Vocal Media-created article/story with others.
I also must admit I struggled to figure out what Community to place my writing in. - Bruce Curle 2025
About the Creator
Bruce Curle `
Greetings! I’m a Canadian writer, certified Life Coach, and actor with a passion for storytelling, creativity, and versatility.
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U.S. Navy Is Chasing Several Oil Tankers in the Atlantic
The United States Navy has reportedly deployed several ships to monitor and intercept a group of oil tankers moving through the Atlantic Ocean. While details remain limited, officials suggest the operation is part of a broader effort to enforce international maritime regulations, prevent illegal shipments, and protect global energy security. The unfolding situation has drawn attention from governments, energy markets, and security analysts, who are closely monitoring the implications for both geopolitics and global commerce. The Tankers and the Operation The vessels in question are reportedly a mix of large oil tankers carrying crude from various regions. The U.S. Navy’s engagement suggests concerns over either regulatory compliance or the potential diversion of energy resources to unauthorized destinations. Sources indicate that the Navy is coordinating with allied forces to track the vessels' movements, ensuring that they do not enter restricted or sanctioned areas. The Atlantic Ocean has long been a critical corridor for global energy trade, connecting major oil-producing regions in Africa, South America, and the Middle East with consumer markets in Europe and North America. Interceptions in these waters are rare but significant, signaling that authorities have intelligence about potentially illegal or high-risk shipments. Why the Navy Is Involved Naval involvement in tracking commercial tankers is not standard procedure, but it is sometimes necessary when there are concerns about sanctions violations, smuggling, or threats to international security. According to maritime law, coastal states can monitor vessels in their territorial waters, but operations in the open ocean often require coordination with international partners. In this case, the U.S. Navy’s pursuit appears to be preventive, ensuring that the oil shipments are properly documented and that no vessels are breaching international sanctions regimes. Analysts note that such actions also serve a political purpose, sending a clear message to entities attempting to bypass regulations that the U.S. and its allies are vigilant about maritime commerce. Global Energy and Market Implications The news of naval activity around oil tankers has caused ripples in global energy markets. Even a temporary disruption or the perception of restricted supply can trigger fluctuations in oil prices. Traders are closely watching the movements of the vessels and awaiting official statements on whether the tankers are carrying sanctioned cargo. Energy analysts emphasize that the Atlantic is a high-traffic route, and any incident involving naval forces and commercial ships could have cascading effects. Supply chain logistics, insurance premiums for shipping companies, and regional energy security all hang in the balance while the Navy conducts its operation. Potential Geopolitical Dimensions Observers are also evaluating the geopolitical context. The tankers’ origins, destinations, and ownership may have implications for ongoing international disputes, sanctions enforcement, or regional conflicts. Past incidents involving tanker interceptions have highlighted the sensitive nature of global energy politics, where control over resources and adherence to regulations intersect with national interests. Some experts suggest that the Navy’s proactive approach may also reflect broader U.S. concerns about rival nations or non-state actors attempting to exploit maritime trade for economic or strategic gains. By tracking and potentially detaining tankers suspected of irregular activity, the U.S. is reinforcing its role as a global maritime enforcer. Challenges of Maritime Enforcement Enforcing regulations across vast oceans presents numerous challenges. The Navy must rely on a combination of satellite tracking, intelligence reports, and aerial surveillance to locate and follow multiple moving vessels. Communication with ship crews, coordination with international authorities, and adherence to legal protocols are all critical to ensuring the operation proceeds without escalating into conflict. Experts note that such operations require balancing assertiveness with diplomacy. Intercepting commercial ships on the high seas can be controversial, especially when there is ambiguity over compliance or ownership. The Navy’s careful approach is aimed at preventing misunderstandings while maintaining the credibility of international maritime law. Looking Ahead As the U.S. Navy continues to track these oil tankers, the global community watches closely. Official statements from the Department of Defense or the State Department may provide more clarity on whether the tankers are violating regulations or if this is a preventive security measure. Meanwhile, shipping companies and international markets remain alert to any developments that could affect the flow of energy or maritime commerce. Ultimately, this situation underscores the strategic importance of maritime security in today’s interconnected world. The Atlantic Ocean, a vital artery for energy and trade, continues to be a theater where law, geopolitics, and commerce intersect. The Navy’s ongoing operation is a reminder that securing these waters is not just about military presence but also about maintaining trust, order, and stability in the global energy system.
By Fiaz Ahmed 2 days ago in The Swamp
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Great story ♦️♦️♦️♦️