A nation that might possibly increase its Atlantic and Pacific coastline
Rahman Mohamed

After the American election there were immediate reports of California proposing to leave the United States in response to the Presidency of Donald Trump.  There were propositions of California becoming its own nation or joining Canada with other Western Democratic states.  In terms of California Canada has seen movement in business; some have moved North while others have moved south.  #Calexit is still strong on Twitter.

Prior to this a new account advertising and supporting the California referendum (@YesCalafornia) has appeared and has been verified by Twitter.

Recently a suggestion appeared for Canada’s 11th province, one that sits across the Atlantic: Scotland.It’s true.  First published as an opinion piece on the Globe and Mail on April 18, Canadian and British media reported that Ken McGoogan, Canadian author suggested inviting Scotland to join Canada as its 11th province on April 19.  Ken McGoogan has a Scottish background.  He has authored a variety of books including “Celtic Lightning” describing the Irish and Scottish influence on creating Canada, “How the Scots Invented Canada” describing Scottish influence on all parts of the development of Canada as a nation, and “50 Canadians who changed the World” featuring content of Canadians born in the 20th century that have influenced the global society in a variety of ways including science, humanitarian, and politics.  He has also authored “Race to the Polar Sea” and “Lady Franklin’s Revenge”, adventure novels that take place in the Arctic.

According to McGoogan Scotland would benefit more by being part of Canada instead of being part of the United Kingdom. CTV reported that McGoogan says that 4.7 Canadians claim Scottish roots with 5.3 million people Scotland would be Canada’s third largest province by population.  Scotland would also have a greater say in Canada than it does in Britain; it would make up 12.6% of Canada’s population instead of 8% of the UK.

In Quebec’s most recent referendum (1995) it came closer to leaving Canada than ever before – 49% Yes to independence, 51% No. In 2014 Scotland held a referendum of leaving Britain.  Though not as close as Quebec, 45% said Yes to independence while 55% said No.  The Scottish Parliament has voted to ask the UK Parliament for a second referendum; BBC reported that Prime Minister Theresa May has asked Scotland to wait until post-Brexit.

UK has the just seen a call for a snap spring election by Prime Minister Theresa May, two years earlier than scheduled.  Brexit is expected to take two years, 2019.  Scotland was against Brexit.  Brexit is expected to play a large role in the UK election.  Recently The Guardian reported that Gina Miller, a pro-EU campaigner has said she will be organizing a tactical movement for the election.  Today the pro-Brexit Conservative Party has been polled as having the lead.  Miller will endorse the party expected to have the best chance of defeating the Conservatives.

The UK General Election has been announced for 8 June.  There’s the possibility of a Scotland referendum on the same day.  If a Yes comes out on top and Scotland is invited to join Canada, Canadians may celebrate its sesquicentennial across the Atlantic without crossing any international borders in a nation that is part of Europe and North America.

It is possible.  Not many are aware but France still holds territories just off of the coast of Newfoundland.  St. Pierre and Miquelon are inhabited islands that belong to France.  Technically France is a part of mainland Europe and North America.  If Scotland comes to Canada, France and Canada might both trade and work through EU and NAFTA.

It’s known Scottish-Canadians and Scots would fit in with the Canadian beer culture, but the question: will they go for Tim Horton’s or traditional tea?  Will they watch hockey or play football?  Will it be the kilt or snowshoes?