A British Columbia legislator expressed strong disapproval after receiving a proposal from a Republican state senator suggesting that Canada’s four western provinces join the United States. Brennan Day, a member of the Opposition B.C. Conservative Party, described his reaction as moving from "disappointed" to "enraged" upon reading the letter from Maine Senator Joseph Martin.

The three-page letter, which Day made public, proposed that British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba could seek admission to the U.S. through referendum votes. Martin emphasized that this process would not be considered annexation but rather an "adoption" of these provinces into the U.S. He described the residents as "kindred spirits" who wish to live under the U.S. Constitution and embrace its responsibilities and traditions.

Martin characterized his proposal as a vision rooted in American tradition, asserting that it would allow the provinces to escape what he termed "failing ideologies." He criticized the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, claiming it offers no absolute protection compared to the U.S. Bill of Rights. Martin argued that many Canadians are frustrated with central authority and bureaucratic constraints, and he suggested that joining the U.S. would provide them with greater liberty.

In his response, Day highlighted the letter's criticism of Canadian institutions, including the Charter of Rights, parliamentary government, and multiculturalism. He remarked that Martin's comments were shocking and dismissed them as an attack on the foundational elements of Canadian society. Day stated, "Martin needs to look at how heavy his luggage is," referring to the political baggage carried by Martin's party in the U.S.

Day speculated that Martin's outreach might have been influenced by recent rhetoric from Alberta, which could have led the senator to believe that British Columbians would be receptive to such an idea. Martin did not respond to requests for comment regarding his proposal.

In his written reply to Martin, Day acknowledged that Canada faces challenges but emphasized that these issues should not lead to a loss of national identity. "We fix them by doing what Canadians have always done — rolling up our sleeves, listening to each other, and finding common ground," he stated.

Day concluded that the vast majority of Canadians appreciate their current identity and do not aspire to adopt a different system. He noted, "We have got a lot of work to do in improving our services, and making sure that we are spending our money wisely, and getting good value for it. But I don’t think anybody here looks south and goes, 'we want more of that.'"