As the sun sets on the presidency of Joe Biden, Canadians have few fond memories of his time in office.
He may have paid lip service to being a friend of this country. His actions said otherwise. His first action upon becoming president was to cancel the Keystone XL Pipeline, which would have moved Canadian crude from Alberta to the U.S. Midwest. He then appealed to OPEC — i.e. Saudi Arabia — to increase its oil output. So he turned his back on a democratic neighbour in favour of a theocracy half a world away, where women have few rights and political opponents are hanged.
The chaotic withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan was catastrophic for allies such as Canada. During the pandemic, Biden kept the land border between our two countries closed far longer than needed.
On the plus side, he helped this country gain the release of the two Michaels — Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor — who had been imprisoned arbitrarily in China.
Ironically, it was Biden himself who caused the most damage to Democratic hopes in the November election. He’ll be remembered mostly for his King Lear-like exit from politics. After running in 2020 on a pledge to be a one-term, “transition” president, he changed his mind. Those around him scoffed when it was suggested that, at 82, he was suffering from cognitive decline and was unfit to run again. His shockingly muddled performance in the first debate sealed his fate.
Had Biden and his supporters earlier acknowledged the obvious, Democrats could have held a contested primary and had a better election outcome.
Looking forward to the Trump presidency, it’s clear there are bumpy times ahead for Canada. Great leaders are forged by tough times. Ontario Premier Doug Ford has shown his mettle and has skilfully led the way with other premiers. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has chosen to go it alone with her defence of the all-important oil and gas industry.
All provinces should unify behind one message: Our two countries are better together.
Some Americans are shocked that we don’t want to be part of their country. To them, we say they should be grateful to have such loyal friends and democratic neighbours on their northern border.