Read time: 3 mins
Our latest study sheds light on Canadian views on becoming the 51st state, revealing that while the idea is sometimes framed as a lighthearted compliment, most Canadians see it very differently. Our national survey examines how residents across provinces and generations interpret the suggestion—and why strong opposition persists.
Key Takeaways
- Three-quarters of Canadians believe the “51st state” suggestion is insulting, while only one in ten see it as a compliment.
- Agreement is highest in the Prairies, and Gen Z is significantly more open to the idea than older generations.
- Views are consistent across most regions, with strong majorities rejecting the notion nationwide.
Recently, the U.S. Ambassador to Canada, Pete Hoekstra, has said he doesn’t understand why Canadians are angry about comments regarding this country becoming a part of the United States. He has also stated publicly that when President Trump calls upon Canada to become the 51st American state, that it is a compliment and a term of endearment.
The Question Asked
U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra has said that when President Donald Trump calls upon Canada to become the 51st American state, it is a compliment and a term of endearment. Do you personally:
- Agree that suggesting Canada should become the 51st state is a compliment and a term of endearment
- Disagree, and instead believe that such language is insulting to Canadians
- Not sure / No opinion
In a survey of 1,231 Canadians we asked for their views on the subject, and found that three quarters disagree, indicating that such language is insulting to Canadians. By contrast, just one in ten agree that suggesting Canada should become the 51st state is a compliment and a term of endearment. One in ten are unsure or did not express an opinion.
Agreement is highest in the Prairie provinces (17%) compared with those living in other parts of the country, where in BC (10%), Ontario (11%), Quebec (8%) and Atlantic Canada (7%), fewer agree.
Gen Z (18–24) stands out, with 27% agreeing that Canada becoming the 51st state should be taken as a compliment, compared to far fewer Millennials (13%), Gen X (12%), or Boomers (5%).
Results are from an online survey conducted in partnership between Narrative Research and the Logit Group. The survey was conducted between November 12 – 14, 2025 with 1,231 Canadians, 18 years of age or older from the Logit Group’s online Canadian Omnibus. Data were weighted based on the 2021 Census, by gender, age, and region to reflect actual population distribution.
Download a PDF version with data tables
FAQs
The majority of Canadians view the “51st state” suggestion as insulting, with only a small minority interpreting it as a compliment.
Gen Z respondents show the highest agreement, followed by modest support in the Prairie provinces.
Results come from a nationally weighted online survey of 1,231 Canadians conducted by Narrative Research and the Logit Group in November 2025.
For more information, please contact:
Margaret Chapman, COO & Partner, Narrative Research – 902.493.3834, mchapman@narrativeresearch.ca or Sam Pisani, Managing Partner, Logit Group – 416.629.4116, sam.pisani@logitgroup.com.
Narrative Research is a non-partisan, 100% Canadian-owned research company, certified as a Women Business Enterprise (WBE). Narrative Research provides clients with state-of-the-art research and strategic consulting services.
The Logit Group is a leading North American data collection and market research execution company headquartered in Toronto, conducting large-scale projects for a variety of well-known research agencies and brands. Logit employs industry-best technologies.
