Canada as the 51st State: Americans in Watertown, N.Y. react

The view from the other side of the border CTV's Tyler Fleming visited Watertown, N.Y. to see what Americans think about Donald Trump's comments about Canada.

WATERTOWN, N.Y. — Watertown, N.Y. is a border city where opinions on Canada potentially becoming the 51st U.S. state are as diverse as the people themselves.

New Yorkers living in the city about an hour south of the border are weighing in on the idea, with many sharing mixed emotions.

Andrew Rounds says he values the relationship between the two countries but believes the attention surrounding the topic misrepresents Americans.

"The social media hype might paint us as, you know, the typical Americans who are greedy and looking to allocate resources by making Canada our possession," he says. "Don't be fooled. I'm lucky to live right on the border of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River and to go to places like Montreal, Kingston, and Brockville. They are amazing places. I love to go there I don't need to own it."

Others, like Isaiah Cantey, agree, saying Canada is better off as a friend, not a state.

"That's not a good move. I think we should leave it as it is. Canada is a good country for us to be friends with," says Cantey. "Canada has its own rights and they should be entitled to that."

When Donald Trump first mused about Canada joining the U.S., it seemed more like a joke, but in recent days, the soon-to-be president has double down, suggesting he will use economic coercion to compel Canada into accepting annexation.

William Pacheco thinks it's not necessarily a bad idea and one which could benefit both Americans and Canadians.

"I believe that would be a wonderful thing for the economy on both ends. It could expand, for example, small businesses, allowing them to grow into Canada and expand and people could see a different side of things on both ends," he says. "I don't foresee it happening. I believe that if it was going to happen, it should've happened by now, but at the end of the day, anything is possible."

Donald Foote has lived in Watertown for decades. He loves his city, and his country, citing its freedom and values. He is a staunch republican, but believes Canada should not be part of the U.S.A.

"My grandmother was born in Gananoque, my grandfather was born in Odessa, so I've got Canadian in me, and I think Canada should stay Canada," says Foote. "I'm glad he's [Trump] our new president-to-be and I'm very excited about what he's going to do, all the things he says he's going to do, so I'm okay with Trump and as far as Canada goes, they're our neighbour and I love them, and I don't agree with them being our 51st state."