The Case for Scotland & Canada to Unite

The USA’s bullying tactics are finally waking Canada up to having to expand our trade relations with others, explore other security arrangements, and generally look elsewhere for friends.  Here’s one solution….

Dear Scotland,

When I first thought of writing this letter to you, Brexit had just happened. We all know how disappointed you were with Brexit; we in Canada were too. As a country based on the union of multiple former British colonies, we understand how belonging to something bigger boosts the economy. We also know what it is like to be dominated by a larger, and often entitled, entity on our southern border. I know that many of you are looking to separate from the United Kingdom so you can remain in the European Union. Frankly, I understand that.  Our Province of Quebec has tried that option a few times.  They felt separating from Canada would not only help them control their cultural heritage more effectively, but also quickly boost trade with the USA (maybe not so keen on this now, as their cultural control was under threat in the current round of trade talks) outside of Canadian Confederation.  

Our trade and security arrangements with the USA have been taking a turn towards a toxic, unhealthy relationship that would have marriage counsellors staying awake all night.  So we are looking at solutions.  Every time we turn around, we’ve found our Prime Minister signing a new trade or defence spending agreement in another far-flung corner of the globe.  That’s good.  It’s been working, but what about something more substantial?  What about connecting permanently with a group that is searching, like us, for a new solution?  Someone we have a deep, lasting understanding of, not just someone we found speed-dating at some trade show?

So Scotland, open up your minds to the idea of a union with Canada.  And by the way, this isn’t an official offer, just the anxiety-driven thoughts of a Canadian who wants to stop worrying about southern bullies and the impact of trade deficits. 

Why would a union with Scotland work?

First, let's get the disclosure out of the way.  Adams is a Scottish name (even though my family emigrated from parts just north of London). As an Adams, I’m a member of Clan Gordon (or possibly Clan MacGregor; it seems we hedged our bets), so I expect my clan members to show some support for this idea.  Plus I’ve eaten haggis and loved it!

Well, for starters, we have a lot in common. In 2021, roughly 4.8 million Canadians (13.9%) were of Scottish descent.  We named one of our provinces New Scotland (Nova Scotia). That same year, 5.51 million Scots were living north of Hadrian’s Wall.  A good balance, and Scots will feel at home here. 

We share a lot of the same interests. We both curl, and there are vicious rumours that our game of Hockey originated in Scotland.  We both love football (soccer here in Canada), and two of your star players are Canadian: Alistair Johnston and Derek Cornelius, who play for Celtic and the Rangers, respectively. Three Scots play in Canada: Ryan Telfer, Cammy Smith, and Ben Fish. 

Scots helped build our extensive railway systems, just like they did for other parts of the former British Empire.  

Our large population of Canadians from South Asia means you’ll not miss out on your favourite curry either.

There are some differences.  You have sheep (6.54 million); we have cattle (11.9 million).  We use corn and rye in our whiskey while you use barley. You put your fries between two slices of bread; we bury ours in cheese curds and gravy.  

Don’t worry about protecting your culture and language.  Canada is officially bilingual (English and French), and other languages are encouraged. It took a while, but we learned to respect not only the Francophone language and culture, but also Indigenous cultures as well (ok, ok, we are still learning).  We have Scottish games and a university bagpipe band that just won an international competition.  In some respects we might out-Scottish you!

We have no designs on the Stone of Scone. We’re a confederation, so along with having the ability to control many cultural, immigration and economic issues, you can keep your symbol as well.

And an important point: there are no Trump-owned golf courses or hotels in Canada!

Our economies are driven by energy sales - your North Sea oil and our Liquefied Natural Gas and Oil Sands. We also both have strong banking and finance centres.  We could entice you by putting the European branch of the new Defence Bank in a city of your choice.

In both countries, the shipbuilding industry is going through a renaissance (our shipyards were started with the help of Scottish engineers).

Oh, and I almost forgot, we need more people who enjoy hurling tree trunks through the air for sport. An important consideration as we are growing our military. 

Now, getting to warm climes might be a tad trickier. Gibraltar might be more difficult to access, as I’m sure the English Parliament will want to punish you for leaving their hearth for ours.  But we have Victoria on Vancouver Island with almost warm temperatures in the winter.

Look, I won’t drag you through a list in my letter, so I asked my version of AI to cobble together some benefits for you to consider below.  Think about it.  Discuss it at the pub over a dram or a pint and get back to me.  

Your cousin

Canada

Benefits pulled together via AI

For Scotland:

Major boost

Scotland would gain access to Canada’s trade agreements, reducing post‑Brexit barriers and restoring global market access.

Currency & Finance

Stabilization

Adopting the Canadian dollar or a shared currency could reduce volatility compared to the pound, especially after Brexit. Edinburgh’s financial sector could integrate with Toronto’s, creating a transatlantic hub.

Energy & Resources

Synergy

Both nations excel in renewables and oil. Joint ventures in offshore wind, hydroelectric, and hydrogen could make the union a global clean‑energy leader.

Agriculture & Fisheries

Expansion

Scottish producers would gain new export routes through Canadian ports, while shared cold‑climate farming research could improve yields and sustainability.

Education & Innovation

Collaboration

Universities in Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Toronto could form joint research networks, attracting global talent and funding.

Broader Effects

• GDP growth: Scotland’s economy could grow 3–5% faster annually in the first decade due to trade liberalization and investment inflows.

• Employment: New jobs in shipping, energy, and tech sectors would emerge, especially in coastal regions.

• Cultural exchange: Shared heritage (Nova Scotia literally means “New Scotland”) would deepen tourism and cultural industries.

• Political stability: Scotland would gain representation in a larger federal system while maintaining local autonomy — similar to Quebec’s model.

For Canada

If Scotland joined Canada in a formal economic partnership or federation, the benefits to Canada would be substantial — not just symbolic, but deeply structural.

Access to EU markets

Indirect restoration of European trade links

Scotland’s proximity and historic ties to the EU could give Canadian exporters a foothold in Europe post‑Brexit.

Atlantic shipping routes

Enhanced logistics

Scottish ports like Glasgow and Aberdeen could serve as transatlantic gateways for Canadian goods, reducing reliance on U.S. routes.

Energy cooperation

Shared innovation

Scotland’s offshore wind and tidal expertise would complement Canada’s hydro and nuclear sectors, creating a renewable‑energy powerhouse.

Innovation and Industry

• Technology and research: Joint university networks (Toronto–Edinburgh, McGill–Glasgow) could accelerate AI, biotech, and green‑tech development.

• Manufacturing: Scottish engineering and shipbuilding could integrate with Canadian aerospace and automotive industries, diversifying production bases.

• Whisky and spirits: A combined whisky trade would dominate global premium markets — Scotch and Canadian whisky under one export banner.

Financial and Cultural Impact

• Finance: Edinburgh’s financial institutions could link with Toronto’s banking sector, expanding Canada’s global financial reach.

• Tourism: Shared heritage (Nova Scotia literally “New Scotland”) would boost transatlantic tourism and cultural exchange.

• Labour mobility: Free movement between the two economies would fill skilled‑labour gaps in both countries.

Strategic Advantages

• Strengthened Atlantic defense and shipping presence.

• Diversified trade away from U.S. dependence.

• Reinforced cultural diplomacy through shared Commonwealth roots.

In short, Canada would gain a European bridge, an energy ally, and a cultural partner — a union that could make it one of the most globally connected economies in the Western world.