“God has blessed us because we have neighbours like CANADA”

Quotes from seven Presidents of the United States…

If Americans are wondering why Canadians are confused over the recent disruption in Canada’s long relationship with the United States, below are comments by the last seven presidents of the United States which might help explain why Canadians are confused.

These direct quotes about Canada are from four Republican Party presidents and three Democratic Party presidents.

PRESIDENT RONALD REGAN Republican March 1981

Canada and the U.S. are “more than good neighbours, we’re good friends, friends that can be counted on”

“Our two nations shall continue the unique relationship that has been the envy of the world"

"Our relationship has enhanced the standard of living and the freedom of our people"

PRESIDENT GEORGE H W BUSH Republican February 10 1989

Canada and the U.S. are “each other’s largest trading partners”

The Canada-U.S. relationship “very, very strong and very good”

PRESIDENT BILL CLINTON Democrat February 1995

“Our two nations shall continue the unique relationship that has been the envy of the world, a relationship that has enhanced the standard of living and the freedom of our people"

“It is the largest bilateral trading relationship in the world. It supports millions of good jobs”

“Good will and common sense remain the foundation of our friendship”.

PRESIDENT GEORGE W BUSH Republican December 2004

“Canada is America’s most vital trade relationship in the whole world”

Regarding Canada’s help during the attacks on Sept 11… "Thank you for your kindness to America in our hour of need.”

PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA Democrat June 29 2016

“We could not ask for a better friend or ally than Canada.”

“Our two nations know firsthand the awesome power of free markets and innovation”.

“Both (countries) make decisions based on science and evidence. It's what’s created these extraordinary economies of ours”.

“The United States and Canada have the largest bilateral trade and investment relationship in the world -- and we are stronger for it.”

“Canadians and Americans, allies and friends, now and forever”.

PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP FIRST TERM Republican

“The people of Canada are wonderful, and it’s a great country”

“We have a great relationship with Canada. I think now it’ll be better than ever.”

With USMCA, “We formed a great partnership with Mexico and with Canada.”

“It’s one of the few transactions” where all three countries benefit.”

“Anything I can do to help Canada, I will be doing”. June 20 2019

“Our shared history and values have made us the best of friends, most reliable of partners, and strongest of allies.”

“Congratulations to Justin Trudeau”… “Canada is well served”

PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN Democrat. March 2023

“Canada and the United States have had each other's backs. In war and in peace “

”The United States chooses to link our future with Canada because we know that we'll find no better partner”

“We have an incredible opportunity to work together so Canada and the United States can source and supply here in North America everything we need for reliable and resilient supply chains.”

“The world needs Canada and the United States working together “

PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP SECOND TERM Republican

Canada is ”easily the most difficult and unreasonable trading partner”

“They’re nasty people"…. "Nasty leadership"

"We are going to take them on"

“Canada is a very nasty negotiator”

“I don’t want Canadian anything”

Canada “has ripped us off for years”

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is “Dishonest and weak”

What happened? Perhaps American people can understand why Canadian people view the sudden reversal of the relationship with the United States as bewildering whiplash. For decades and seven presidents, nothing changed in the way both sides did business.

But somehow, we have gone from “Canada is America’s most vital trade relationship in the whole world” (Republican President George W Bush) to “Canada is one of the worst countries in the world to deal with” (Republican President Donald Trump).

And we don’t know why.

In collecting these quotes, I found that the full speeches by U.S. presidents were quite inspiring. If you are looking for a little inspiration, I suggest looking them up and read the complete speeches.

Finally, one last quote from

REPUBLICAN PRESIDENT GEORGE W BUSH

“God has blessed us because we have neighbours like Canada”.