The USA's #1 souce of foreign energy is Canada. At same time Canada is your #1 customer period.
If you really think you have a reason to not want that, it has to be a really good one.
Canada only accounts for 22% of US foreign trade. You missed what I said:
"To be a bit cold on the matter, Canada does not have any great strategic importance to the US. Canadian natural resources and territory yes, the polity and population of Canada, no."
Remember, it does not take Canadians to extract natural resources from Canadian territory, nor does the United States need the body politic of Canada for manpower or support a la WWII. Heck, let's go further and eliminate all defense treaties with Canada since there is no threat on the horizon and the only approach to invading Canada is over some long ocean routes which even Canada's small "Naval" and "Air Force" units could defeat. In fact, the only 'war' that some other nation could declare and fight with Canada would be to attempt a blockade of Canadian ports, even that would be iffy since most trade is not carried on Canadian-flagged merchant ships so those ships could not be sunk without bigger problems for the errant blockader at 'war' with Canada. Now an ICBM attack is something else, but since Canada is not a realistic target or enemy by those that current possess such weapons, Canada has no need for any such defense, whether a future homegrown system might suffice if other nations demonstrate operational feasibility. After all, who would want to 'nuke' Canada?
Canada should be perfect safe from invasion from unfriendly powers (or Mexico illegals) without having any defense treaties with the United States. If Canada did not have any defense treaties with the United States, then they would not get drawn into any conflicts because of said association and vice versa. This diplomatic "freedom" would allow Canada to completely go its own way in the world with no political baggage due to defense ties to the United States. Canada would no longer have exchange officers or joint training with the United States, hence none could be critical of Canada's foreign policy based on military cooperation with the defense establishment of the United States. This lack of defense ties would also enable Canada to equip its military with homegrown defense products (good for the local economy) or shop for fine European replacements for some of their ageing equipment (CF-18s, etc) since with no defense ties to the United States no advanced US technological military equipment is sold to neutrals or potential adversaries.
To repeat: Canada would still have the economic and trade ties to the United States, but complete diplomatic freedom on the world stage to go its own way with none able to be critical due to defense ties to the United States. Looking to the future, with no enemies and no realistic ways for Canada to be physically invaded, no "Cold War" from the past or on the future horizon Canada would be wise to become a defense 'neutral' with respect to the United States and vice-versa. The most that Canada gives up is buying US military weapons (plenty of European replacements) and military cross-training with the United States armed forces. Canada could concentrate on a limited self-defense structure and deployable peace-keeping forces per its foreign policy. The most that Canada gives up is access to a "missile shield" that is believed will never work properly and in any event is not necessary for the defense of Canada and its population. The US gains is not having any responsibility for the defense of Canada (or Canadian interests) from non-existant defense threats and can concentrate on the defense of the United States and its national security interests.
Looks like a "win-win" situation for both the United States and Canada...
dvwjr
We buy more from the USA than all of Europe combined. More than Japan. 25% might not seem that much to you, but I believe it is very significant. The largest purchase in my household was a Chrysler made in the USA. I had other choices. Not interested.
During the recent USA election I noticed that Gephardt and Edwards were anti Nafta. Both Missouri and North Carolina enjoy trade surpluses with Canada.
As an Albertan I am very aware that our province is a key and reliable source of energy for the USA.
The relationship between the two countries is very strong, and I don't like to see it denigrated for partisan political politics on either side of the 49th.
All you've said makes good sense. However Canadians are now getting their age old wish fulfilled: that Americans learn more about Canada. The problem is the more Americans learn the less there is to like.