Very important. Canada has shared an open border for decades with the States and the two cultures are similar. I'm saddened that the uncertain times of these last 8 years in America have forced a barrier now that requires a passeport to cross over.
I'm afraid that Americans became much too traumatized by 9/11 and have bought into the "terrorist behind every tree" fear too much.
I've always felt that Canadians don't fear speaking aloud immediately on w...

Very important. Canada has shared an open border for decades with the States and the two cultures are similar. I'm saddened that the uncertain times of these last 8 years in America have forced a barrier now that requires a passeport to cross over.
I'm afraid that Americans became much too traumatized by 9/11 and have bought into the "terrorist behind every tree" fear too much.
I've always felt that Canadians don't fear speaking aloud immediately on what they believe is the "right thing to do" and acting upon it. Whereas Americans have a tendency to "wait and see" for fear of some form of reprisal ( often times economic) before acting. To prove this, Americans take surveys and polls on thousands of subjects , just to see if they're in the majority ( or to be politically correct).
The Canadians I've known were a very warm, well educated, logical, creative hard working and polite people. I've met many of them on both sides of the language split. They have wonderful senses of humor. English speakers have that clever "bit-o-British" wit ( often tongue in cheek) and French speakers have the "ironic" and "nuanced" French style humor;
I admired the Canadian General of the United Nations forces who was incensed by the genocide that was occurring in Rwanda while he was there and for the GUTS to act as best as he could against this crime ( even to his own detriment). There was a Man!!! Chapeau!!!

The relationship is very important because of our common backgrounds historically and our trade partnerships. We offer a security net with each other.