Famed Canadian Investor Says Half Of The Country's Population Would Favor 'Erasing The Border' With The U.S.

A famed Canadian investor is seeking to garner momentum for advancing an economic union between the U.S. and his native country, using President-elect Donald Trump's taunt about making Canada de 51st state as a platform.

Kevin O'Leary, a member of well-known investing TV show "Shark Tank," said half of his country's population would support such a move, telling Fox Business that Canadians "want to hear more."

"Think about the power of combining the two economies, erasing the border between Canada and the United States and putting all that resource up to the northern borders where China and Russia are knocking on the door," O'Leary said.

He went on to list potential benefits of such a merger, including a "common currency." "Figure out taxes across the board, get everything trading both ways, create a new, almost EU-like passport. I like this idea and at least half of Canadians are interested," he added.

O'Leary argued that among the main obstacles to this becoming a reality is the "collapsing" Canadian government led by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. He then criticized Trudeau saying nobody wants him negotiating such a deal and expressed willingness to "go to Mar-a-Lago" and "start the narrative."

Trump has repeatedly criticized Canada since winning the election and suggested the country should become the 51st U.S. state. He has referred to Trudeau as "governor" and said becoming a part of the U.S. would lead to lower taxes for Canadians and increased business growth.

In addition to his mocking of the neighboring country's sovereignty, Trump has threatened to impose 25% tariffs on products from Canada and Mexico if the countries fail to curb illegal crossings and drug trafficking. Earlier this month, Trudeau promised to strengthen border security after a meeting with Trump in Florida. Measures include deploying drones, acquiring police helicopters, and reassigning personnel to key areas. The leaders also discussed trade and other common issues.

A few weeks later, the Canadian government announced C$1.3 billion ($913 million) investment to enhance border security over the next six years, with funds that will be allocated to Public Safety Canada, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), the Communications Security Establishment, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).