Polish joke, circa 1975. "Are the Russians our friends, or are they our brothers?" "Obviously they are our brothers, because you get to choose your own friends".
It seems unlikely that Justin Trudeau has heard that old chestnut. If he had he might not have told President Obama and the assembled dignitaries yesterday that Canada and the US are really more like siblings than friends. Brothers don't always get along, as was very apparent during the latter years of Stephen Harper's decade as Canada's Prime Minister. Possibly Harper's biggest error -- and there are plenty to choose from -- occurred when he opined that US approval of the Keystone XL pipeline project was "a no-brainer". Not the way to win over your cerebral big brother.
It's nice to see Obama and Trudeau getting along so well, but maybe we Canadians should enjoy it while we can. If the US shifts to the right after November's elections, things might turn chilly real fast. Whether the Republican candidate is Donald Trump or one of the chasing pack, a GOP presidential victory would inevitably bring more trade protectionism, heightened anti-immigrant feeling and possibly increased military adventurism, none of which fits in any way with Trudeau's determinedly sunny outlook.
Even a victory by Hillary Clinton would almost inevitably see Canadian interests. from free trade to global affairs, under increasing threat. One way or another, it's not a happy prospect, and all the pomp and glad-handing in DC over the last three days can't change that.
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