Michigan in the Crosshairs: The Fraught Relationship Between the US and Canada

Detroit Regional Chamber> Chamber> Michigan in the Crosshairs: The Fraught Relationship Between the US and Canada

Just one day before the 10% minimum tariffs were set to take effect, James Blanchard, former Michigan Governor and U.S. Ambassador to Canada, spoke at length on the significance of the relationship between Michigan and Canada during the Detroit Regional Chamber's 2025 State of the Region event.

Blanchard criticized the recent political rhetoric and trade policies that undermine the U.S.-Canada relationship, particularly tariffs and accusations against Canada's role in migration and national security, and the inevitable fallout Michigan will face by being caught in the crosshairs.

A History of Respect and Cooperation

Few relationships in the world are as deeply rooted and mutually beneficial as the one between the U.S. and Canada. Blanchard explained that beyond just governance comes the proximity to the U.S and the intermingling of cross-border cooperation on everything from environmental policies to trade and infrastructure projects and more - whether Washington leaders realize it or not.

"We were allies in both WW1 and WW2 … in Korea and Afghanistan," Blanchard said. "We were partners of NORAD. We've had [an] integrated economy, autos, energy, agriculture, and national security for years and years and years. We have cooperated on everything from Great Lakes water quality to the space station. "There's no good reason our government, at any level, to label Canada as a national security threat."

Both the historical connections and allyship weave a strong foundation for trust and cooperation, something that cannot easily be disregarded during one presidential term due to short-sighted political maneuvering or inflammatory rhetoric. As Blanchard passionately noted, the notion of treating Canada - a country with which the U.S. shares deep military, economic, and cultural bonds - as a threat or adversary is not only misguided but also dangerous.

Michigan and the broader Great Lakes region have long served as a hub of cross-border collaboration. From the economic ties between Detroit and Windsor to environmental stewardship of the shared Great Lakes, the relationship with Canada is not just strategic-it is personal. Families, businesses, and communities on both sides of the border have grown together over generations. In Blanchard's words, "We're a cradle of cooperation."

The Interdependency of Trade

Blanchard spoke on how economically intertwined the two nations are, pointing to the U.S.'s trade surplus with Canada in areas like manufacturing. "We sell more products to Canada than any other country in the world," Blanchard said, emphasizing the value of maintaining these connections.

Blanchard also underscored the role Canada plays in supplying critical resources like natural gas and rare earth minerals, noting that "eight million jobs depend on trade with Canada" and that 36 states count Canada as their largest export market.

"What's at stake is not just diplomacy or policy, it's everyday livelihoods," he said.

As Michigan continues to position itself as a leader in international trade, manufacturing, and innovation, the need for a stable and respectful relationship with Canada becomes even more vital. Blanchard's remarks served as both a reminder and a call to action: we must preserve the ties that have shaped our Detroit Region for decades and ensure they are not jeopardized by politics disconnected from the realities on the ground.