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US-CANADIAN RELATIONS BRITISH COLUMBIA AND YUKON -V- ALASKA The Pearl: Canada SHUTS DOWN $12.1 Billion U.S. Trading Route with Bold Move! PLAY YOUTUBE VIDEO Original article: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=POBLkh2MZKU Peter Burgess COMMENTARY 1. WHAT AM I LOOKING AT? Will someone please esplain! ......... How this content was made: ......... Altered or synthetic content ......... Sound or visuals were significantly edited or digitally generated. Learn more This tells me absolutely nothing of use ... except perhaps than I am a fool to be looking at this video at all. I have a deep foundational respect for law, but I want that law to be good and meaningful law. I grew up in the UK and not in the United States. While the legal systems of both countries have some common roots, they are now very different in true character, and, in my view, to the detriment of America. When I was in my 30s ... some 50 years ago ... I was recruited as the CFO of a US company that operated in more than 20 jurisdictions around the world! Part of my porfolio was to oversee the legal issues being faced by the company. My predecessor had paid litle attention to this part of the work, and there were legal issues everywhere! Initialy I got legal council from American based law firms ... but that proved expensive and useless. Instead I started to rely on my British background and the basic ideas of 'right and wrong' as understood by ordinary people most everywhere. The idea of 'universal' is very powerful and it made possible a lot of major agreement between a lot of very different collaborators around the world. I was, of course, helped by the reality that a lot of law around the world has its historic foundation in British law ... but the practical and useful application of law qalso requires and acceptance that some things are 'right' and other things are 'wrong' and bad law is not going to change that reality! And this is one of the reasons why the Unitesd States of America is 'at risk' and someone like Trump needs to be 'out of office' as soon as possible! Some of the 'facts' in this video are really interesting ... but are they true 'facts' os is AI simply 'hallucinating'. This definition of hallucination whoulld make everone wake up! ... AI hallucinations refer to instances where AI systems, particularly generative AI like chatbots, produce inaccurate, misleading, or false information, often presented as if it were true. This 'hallucination' stems from the model's ability to generate text based on probabilities, not on real-world knowledge, leading to outputs that might sound plausible but are not factually correct. 2. THIS SUBJECT MATTER This subject matter is good, but diminished in my view by its embrace of artificial nehancements or not. How do I tell the difference between what is really true and what is merely an AI hallucination? As soom as I can, I will be looking to replace this with something that has a whole lot better clarity ... even if that turns out of be a Chinese source. Peter Burgess
Canada SHUTS DOWN $12.1 Billion U.S. Trading Route with Bold Move! The Pearl Apr 24, 2025 53.6K subscribers ... 9,496 views ... 149 likes Canada SHUTS DOWN $12.1 Billion U.S. Trading Route with Bold Move! Try thinking of a single road keeping an entire state connected to the rest of its country. Now imagine that road being shut down overnight by a neighbour's shocking decision. Businesses scramble, tourists cancel plans, and the military scrambles to adapt. It is a massive shake-up that could cost billions and create tensions across borders. But what happens when that lifeline gets cut off? The Alaska Highway is more than just a road; it's a vital connection to the north. So, when Canada makes a move to shut it down, the impact is seismic. Let's break down just how this move could rattle the entire continent. How this content was made: Altered or synthetic content Sound or visuals were significantly edited or digitally generated. Learn more Transcript 0:06 Intro Try thinking of a single road keeping an entire state connected to the rest of its country. Now imagine that road being shut down overnight by a neighbour's shocking decision. Businesses scramble, tourists cancel plans, and the military scrambles to adapt. It is a massive shake-up that could cost billions and create tensions across borders. But what happens when that lifeline gets cut off? The Alaska Highway is more than just a road; it's a vital connection to the north. So, when Canada makes a move to shut it down, the impact is seismic. Let's break down just how this move could rattle the entire continent. 1:05 The Lifeline of the North The Lifeline of the North The Alaska Highway is more of a lifeline stretching across some of North America's most rugged and remote terrain. Known as the Alaska-Canada Highway, this 1,387-mile stretch of asphalt begins in Dawson Creek, British Columbia, winds its way through the wilderness of Canada's Yukon Territory, and finally ends in Delta Junction, Alaska. It is the only land route that connects the state of Alaska to the continental United States, making it critical for trade, tourism, and military operations. It's story begins in the early nineteen forties, with the threat of a Japanese invasion looming over Alaska, the American government needed a way to quickly move troops, supplies, and equipment to the territory. In 1942, the American Army Corps of Engineers, alongside Canadian teams, embarked on one of the most ambitious construction projects of the time. In just eight months, over 2:00 10,000 American soldiers and thousands of Canadian workers carved a rough path through dense forests, across rivers, and over mountains to create what was initially a military supply route. The highway was completed in October 1942, and though it was rough and unpaved at first, it served its purpose, providing a direct land link to Alaska. After the war, it was opened to civilian use, and over the years, it was gradually improved and paved. Today, the Alaska Highway is a fully paved, two-lane road that is open year-round, though winter conditions can make travel treacherous with snow, ice, and freezing temperatures. The highway passes through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in North America, including the peaks of the Canadian Rockies, the boreal forests of the Yukon, and the wide-open tundra of Alaska. Along the way, it crosses rivers like the Peace 3:06 and Liard and skirts the edges of wilderness areas like Kluane National Park in Yukon. The highway is both a scenic drive and an important piece of infrastructure. For the state of Alaska, which is separated from the rest of America by over 500 miles of Canadian territory, the highway is the only way to move goods, people, and military equipment by land. While most of Alaska's trade comes by sea or air, the highway plays a big role in transporting time-sensitive cargo, such as fresh food, construction materials, and heavy machinery that cannot be easily shipped by boat or plane. The highway handles a good flow of trucks carrying goods, making it an indispensable link in Alaska's supply chain. The highway also serves as an important 4:00 route for tourism. Each year, thousands of travellers drive through the Alaska Highway, drawn by the promise of breathtaking scenery and the thrill of the open road. Towns along the route have built their economies around this traffic, with hotels, restaurants, and gas stations catering to the large stream of visitors. For these communities, the highway is their connection to the outside world. The Alaska Highway is an indication of the deep ties between Canada and America, forged in a time of war and maintained through years of cooperation. However, as we will see, this cooperation also has its tensions, and the highway's unique position, crossing through Canadian territory to connect two parts of America, makes it a potential flashpoint in times of geopolitical strain. Cutting off this vital route would mean more than just disrupting travel—it would 5:01 send shockwaves through the entire economy. The 12.1 billion-dollar trade link that runs 5:08 along the Alaska Highway is an integral lifeline, but how does this colossal 5:13 figure tie into the bigger picture? The 12.1 Billion-Dollar Lifeline The Alaska Highway 5:19 The Alaska Highway is an important economic backbone that carries billions of dollars worth 5:25 of goods, supports thousands of jobs, and sustains entire industries. The 12.1-billion-dollar figure 5:33 tied to the highway represents the value of trade that flows through this route each year, making 5:40 it one of the most important land connections in North America. But how did this number come about, 5:46 and what exactly does it encompass? To understand the economic importance of the Alaska Highway, we need to look at the broader context of Alaska's trade with the rest 5:58 of America. Alaska's total trade with the lower 48 states exceeds 40 billion dollars annually. 6:06 Most of this trade moves by sea or air. However, the Alaska Highway plays a big and irreplaceable 6:13 role in this trade network. While ships and planes handle the bulk of Alaska's imports and exports, 6:20 the highway is responsible for moving time-sensitive and high-value goods that 6:25 cannot afford the delays of sea transport or the high costs of air freight. Specifically, 6:31 the highway carries about 12.1 billion dollars worth of goods each year, including fresh produce, 6:39 construction materials, and heavy machinery. For example, Alaska's mining industry, which generates 6:47 over 3 billion dollars annually, relies heavily on the highway to transport equipment like drills, 6:54 steel beams, and spare parts from manufacturers in the lower 48 states. Companies like Kinross Gold, 7:03 which operates the Fort Knox mine near Fairbanks, depend on timely deliveries to keep their 7:09 operations running smoothly. Without the highway, these deliveries would face significant delays or 7:16 much higher costs if shifted to air transport. Tourism is another major contributor to the 7:22 highway's economic value. In 2019, over 60,000 visitors drove the Alaska Highway, 7:31 spending an estimated 150 million dollars in Alaska alone, according to the Alaska Travel 7:38 Industry Association. These tourists are not passing through; they are spending money on 7:44 hotels, restaurants, gas stations, and attractions along the way. For small towns like Tok, Alaska, 7:52 or Destruction Bay in Yukon, this traffic is a lifeline. Closure of the highway would not 8:00 only cut off this revenue stream but could also devastate the local economies that depend on it. 8:06 The energy sector also relies on the Alaska Highway. Alaska's North Slope is one of the 8:12 most productive oil fields in the United States, producing around 500,000 barrels of oil per day. 8:20 While most of this oil is transported via the Trans-Alaska Pipeline to the port of Valdez, 8:26 the highway plays a big role in moving fuel trucks, pipeline maintenance equipment, and other 8:32 supplies. A disruption to this route could cause delays in maintenance and repairs, potentially 8:38 leading to higher energy costs not just in Alaska but across the entire United States. 8:45 But the highway's value goes beyond just trade and tourism. It is also a strategic asset for 8:52 the American military. Alaska is home to several key military installations, including Joint Base 9:00 Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage and Eielson Air Force Base near Fairbanks. These bases are 9:07 important to America's defence strategy, particularly in the Arctic, where tensions 9:12 with Russia have been rising in recent years. The highway allows the military to quickly move 9:18 troops, equipment, and supplies to and from Alaska without relying on air or sea routes, which can 9:26 be slower and more vulnerable to disruption. Just to say, the Alaska Highway is worth 12.1 9:33 billion dollars because it is the backbone of Alaska's connection to the rest of the United 9:39 States. It supports trade, tourism, energy, and defence, making it an indispensable part 9:46 of North America's economic and strategic landscape. Any disruption to this route would 9:52 have far-reaching consequences, not just for Alaska but for the entire continent. 10:00 Power and Leverage Canada's Control Over the Route: Power and Leverage The Alaska Highway may connect two parts of the United States, but for most of its length, it runs through Canadian territory. Specifically, about 1,000 miles of the highway, nearly 10:16 two-thirds of its total length, are located in Canada, passing through the provinces of 10:22 British Columbia and Yukon. This gives Canada significant control over the route, including 10:28 the ability to maintain it, set regulations for its use, and, in theory, restrict access to it. 10:36 The roots of this arrangement go back to the highway's origins. When America built the Alaska Highway in 1942, it did so with Canada's permission, 10:47 as the road had to cross Canadian soil. After the war, America handed over the Canadian portion of 10:54 the highway to the Canadian government, but with the understanding that America would retain the 11:00 right to use it for military and civilian purposes. This agreement was formalised in 11:07 the 1942 Alaska Highway Agreement, signed in Ottawa, which ensured that America had access 11:14 to the highway for trade, tourism, and defence. Despite this agreement, Canada retains sovereignty 11:22 over the land the highway crosses. This means that Canada has the legal authority to impose 11:29 restrictions on the highway if it chooses to do so. For example, Canada could introduce tolls, 11:36 limit the types of vehicles allowed on the road, or even close sections of the highway 11:42 for maintenance or environmental reasons. In extreme cases, Canada could theoretically 11:48 close the highway entirely, though this would be a drastic and bizarre move. 11:54 There have been moments in history when tensions between America and Canada have raised the 11:59 possibility of such restrictions. One notable example occurred in 2018, during a trade dispute 12:07 over United States tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminium. In response to the 25 percent tariffs 12:15 imposed by the Trump administration, some Canadian politicians have suggested retaliatory measures, 12:22 including imposing tolls on American trucks using the Alaska Highway. British Columbia 12:28 Premier John Horgan was among those who floated this idea, though it never came to fruition. 12:35 Nevertheless, it highlighted the fact that Canada has the power to use the highway as 12:41 leverage in trade negotiations or other disputes. Another factor that gives Canada leverage is the 12:49 environmental sensitivity of the regions the highway passes through. The Alaska Highway cuts 12:55 through some of Canada's wilderness areas, including Kluane National Park in Yukon, 13:00 which is home to bears, caribou, and other wildlife. Environmental groups have long advocated 13:08 for reducing truck traffic on the highway to minimise its impact on these ecosystems. While 13:14 Canada has not yet imposed significant restrictions for environmental reasons, it could use this as a justification to limit access to the highway in the future. 13:24 Canada could also cite national security as a reason to restrict access to the highway. 13:31 For example, if there were a perceived threat from America. Or another country, 13:36 Canada, could close the highway to protect its sovereignty. While this scenario is unlikely, 13:43 it shows the fact that Canada holds the ultimate authority over the route. 13:49 Canada's control over the Alaska Highway gives it significant power and leverage in its relationship 13:56 with America. While the two countries have historically cooperated to keep the highway open, 14:02 the potential for Canada to use this control as a bargaining chip in trade, environmental, or 14:08 security disputes is always present. This dynamic adds several complexities to the America-Canada 14:16 relationship, particularly when tensions rise over issues like trade tariffs or territorial disputes. Triggers 14:26 What Could Push Canada to Act? While the idea of Canada shutting down the Alaska Highway may seem far-fetched, several real-world issues could push Canada to 14:37 take such a drastic step. These issues range from trade disputes to environmental concerns, and they 14:44 highlight the delicate balance of power between America and Canada when it comes to the highway. 14:50 One of the most likely triggers for Canada to restrict access to the highway is a trade dispute. America and Canada have a long history of trade disagreements. For example, 15:03 the Trump administration imposed tariffs of up to 25 percent on Canadian steel and aluminium, citing 15:10 national security concerns. In response, Canada retaliated with its tariffs on American goods, 15:17 and tensions escalated. During this period, some Canadian politicians, including British Columbia 15:24 Premier John Horgan, suggested imposing tolls on American trucks using the Alaska Highway as 15:31 a form of retaliation. While this idea was never implemented, it showed that Canada could use the 15:37 highway as leverage in trade negotiations. Also, there is a dispute over sovereignty, 15:44 particularly in the Arctic. Canada and America have long disagreed over the status of the 15:50 Northwest Passage, a sea route through the Arctic that Canada claims as its internal 15:56 waters but America views as international waters. In 2021, American Navy ships sailed 16:03 through the passage without seeking Canada's permission, creating outrage in Ottawa. The 16:09 Canadian prime minister condemned the move, and tensions grew. If such disputes were to escalate, 16:16 Canada could use the Alaska Highway as bargaining power, threatening to close it unless America 16:21 respects Canada's territorial claims. Environmental concerns could also push 16:27 Canada to act. The Alaska Highway passes through some of the most ecologically sensitive areas in 16:34 North America. Environmental groups have long advocated for reducing truck traffic 16:39 on the highway to protect these ecosystems. In 2022, Canada passed the Impact Assessment Act, 16:48 which gives the government greater authority to regulate projects that could harm the environment. If environmental pressure mounts, Canada could impose restrictions on the highway, 16:59 such as limiting the number of trucks allowed or requiring stricter emissions standards. While a 17:05 full closure might be extreme, it is not out of the question if Canada decides to prioritise 17:11 environmental protection over economic concerns. Domestic politics could play a role. In times of 17:19 strained relations between America and Canada, Canadian leaders might see a brave move like 17:25 closing the highway as a way to rally public support. For example, during the 17:31 Trump administration, when American-Canadian relations were tense, Canadian politicians 17:36 often used anti-American rhetoric to boost their popularity. A dramatic gesture like closing the 17:43 Alaska Highway could be seen as a way to stand up to America and assert Canadian sovereignty, 17:50 even if it came with significant economic costs. In the end, the key factor is leverage. 17:57 Canada knows that America depends on the Alaska Highway for trade, tourism, and military access, 18:04 and it could use this dependence to gain concessions in other areas. While closing the 18:10 highway would be a nuclear option, one that would likely hurt Canada as much as America, it remains 18:17 a powerful tool in Canada's geopolitical arsenal. The Fallout The Fallout 18:24 If Canada were to close the highway, the impact on America would be immediate and 18:29 severe. The highway is an important lifeline for trade, tourism, and military operations, 18:37 and its closure would disrupt all of these sectors in ways that would be difficult to mitigate. 18:43 Trade would take a massive hit. As we discussed earlier, the Alaska Highway carries approximately 18:51 12.1 billion dollars worth of goods each year. If the highway were closed, these goods would need 18:58 to be rerouted via air or sea, both of which are more expensive and less efficient. For example, 19:05 air freight costs around 5 dollars per pound, compared to just 0.50 dollars per pound for 19:11 truck transport. This means that shipping a ten-thousand-pound piece of mining equipment 19:16 by air would cost fifty thousand dollars, compared to five thousand dollars by truck. For industries 19:24 like mining, which rely on heavy machinery, this cost increase would be devastating. Moreover, 19:31 Alaska's airports are already operating at capacity, handling 2.5 million tons 19:36 of cargo annually. They simply do not have the infrastructure to handle a sudden surge in demand, 19:43 meaning that many shipments would be delayed or cancelled altogether. Tourism would also suffer. Every year, over sixty thousand visitors drive the Alaska Highway, 19:54 contributing one hundred and fifty million dollars to Alaska's economy. Towns like Tok, 20:00 Alaska, and Haines Junction in Yukon rely heavily on them, and the closure of the 20:06 highway would completely cut off this revenue. Hotels would sit empty, restaurants would close, 20:14 and local businesses would struggle to survive. The Alaska Tourism Board estimates 20:20 that a prolonged closure could cost the state hundreds of millions of dollars in lost revenue, 20:25 and the effects would be felt for years to come. The military would also face significant 20:32 challenges. Alaska is home to several key military bases. These bases are important to America's 20:39 defence strategy. The highway allows the military to quickly move troops, equipment, and supplies 20:46 to and from Alaska without relying on air or sea routes, which can be slower and more vulnerable 20:53 to disruption. A few years back, the American Army moved over one thousand tons of gear via the 21:01 highway. If the highway were closed, the military would be forced to rely on airlifts, which are far 21:08 more expensive. For example, a C-17 Globemaster Three cargo plane costs twenty thousand dollars 21:16 per hour to operate. A month-long closure could easily cost the military an additional 21:22 fifty million dollars in transportation costs, not to mention the strategic risks of having slower 21:28 access to Alaska in the event of a crisis. The energy sector would be hit hard. 21:35 The Alaska Highway is used to transport fuel trucks, pipeline maintenance equipment, 21:41 and other supplies essential to the state's oil and gas industry. Alaska's North Slope produces 21:49 around five hundred thousand barrels of oil per day, and while most of this oil is shipped via 21:54 the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, the highway plays a key role in keeping the pipeline operational. 22:00 A closure could delay maintenance and repairs, leading to potential shutdowns or reduced 22:06 output. This, in turn, could cause gas prices to rise across America, as Alaska's oil is a key 22:15 part of the nation's energy supply. Even a small disruption in supply could lead to price increases 22:22 of twenty cents per gallon or more at the pump. The closure of the Alaska Highway would be a 22:28 logistical nightmare for America, with bigger consequences for trade, tourism, defence, 22:34 and energy. While America could eventually find workarounds, the short-term costs would 22:41 be staggering, and the long-term damage to Alaska's economy could take years to repair. 22:47 But what happens when diplomacy fails? With the Alaska Highway now out of commission, 22:53 the U.S. would have no choice but to escalate. From invoking long-standing agreements to 22:59 economic pressure, America has plenty of leverage. Would they resort to harsher 23:05 tactics? Let's dive into the potential fallout from this unprecedented move. Fighting Back 23:12 Fighting Back: What Could America Do? If Canada were to close the Alaska Highway, 23:18 America would not sit idly by. While the immediate impact would be severe, America has 23:26 several tools at its disposal to respond, ranging from diplomatic pressure to economic retaliation. 23:34 America would almost certainly turn to diplomacy. The State Department would immediately engage 23:40 with Canada's Foreign Minister to negotiate a resolution. America could point to the 1942 23:46 Alaska Highway Agreement, which guarantees its access to the highway, as well as the 23:52 1989 America-Canada Free Trade Agreement, which includes provisions for protecting transportation 23:59 routes. Article 904 of that agreement, for example, ensures that both countries maintain 24:06 open access to key infrastructure. However, if Canada were determined to keep the highway closed, 24:13 diplomacy might not be enough, and America would need to consider stronger measures. 24:19 Economic retaliation is another tool. America could impose tariffs on Canadian goods, targeting 24:26 industries that are particularly important to Canada's economy. If the highway were closed, 24:32 America could escalate this approach, targeting key exports from British Columbia and Yukon, 24:39 such as lumber, coal, and gold. British Columbia alone exports 4 billion dollars worth of lumber 24:47 to America each year, and Yukon's gold mining industry is a major economic driver. 24:54 By hitting these industries with tariffs, America could pressure Canada to reopen the highway. 25:01 Given that 75 percent of Canada's exports go to America. Canada has more to lose in a trade war. 25:09 Another option is to find alternative logistics solutions. While the Alaska Highway is the only 25:14 land route to Alaska, America could increase its reliance on sea and air routes to keep 25:21 goods flowing. For example, the Port of Seattle could ramp up its shipping capacity, 25:27 sending an additional 50 container ships per month to Anchorage. While this would be slower, 25:33 taking five days by sea compared to two days by road, it would help mitigate the impact 25:39 of the closure. Similarly, America could use airlifts to transport urgent cargo, 25:46 though this would be expensive. Boeing Field in Washington, for instance, could serve as 25:52 a staging ground for cargo flights to Alaska, but the costs would be significant, potentially 25:58 doubling the price of transporting goods. America could also take legal action 26:03 through international bodies like the World Trade Organisation. Under the 1994 General 26:10 Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, America could argue that Canada's closure of the 26:15 highway violates international trade rules. However, WTO cases can take years to resolve, 26:23 as seen in the 2004 America-Canada wheat dispute, which dragged on for nearly a decade. While this 26:31 might provide long-term relief, it would do little to address the immediate crisis. 26:36 There is the question of whether America could build an alternative route. Some have suggested constructing a new highway through Alaska's interior, perhaps via Juneau, 26:47 to bypass Canada entirely. However, this is not a viable short-term solution. Building 26:55 such a road would take at least 10 years and cost upwards of 10 billion dollars due to poor terrain, 27:02 including mountains, glaciers, and permafrost. Moreover, any new route would still need to 27:09 cross Canadian territory in some areas, making it a politically and logistically complex endeavour. 27:16 While America has several options for responding to a closure of the Alaska Highway, none of 27:22 them are perfect. Diplomacy might not work, economic retaliation could escalate tensions, 27:29 and logistical workarounds would be costly and inefficient. The best solution, of course, 27:36 would be to avoid such a scenario altogether through continued cooperation and mutual 27:42 respect between the two nations. Alaska's Hidden Vulnerability Alaskas Hidden Vulnerability 27:49 While much of the focus on the Alaska Highway centres on trade and military access, there is a hidden vulnerability that could make a closure even more devastating: 28:00 Alaska's food supply. Alaska is unique among American states in that it imports 95 percent of 28:08 its food. Unlike other states, which can rely on local agriculture or nearby farms, 28:14 Alaska's harsh climate and remote location make it heavily dependent on outside sources 28:19 for everything from fresh produce to canned goods. Most of this food arrives by ship. 28:26 However, the Alaska Highway plays a big role in delivering time-sensitive items, such as milk, 28:33 eggs, and fresh vegetables, which need to be transported quickly to avoid spoilage. 28:40 Each week, trucks on the highway carry fresh food into the state. If the highway were closed, this 28:46 supply chain would be severed, and Alaska would be forced to rely entirely on air and sea routes. 28:52 While ships could theoretically pick up the slack, they are much slower, taking up to 10 days longer to deliver goods compared to the two-day trip by truck. This 29:03 delay would be disastrous for perishable items. Air transport is another option, but it is 29:09 expensive and challenging. Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport is one of the busiest 29:16 cargo airports in the world, but it is already operating at capacity, handling 2.5 million tons 29:24 of cargo annually. There is simply no room to suddenly triple or quadruple the number of food 29:31 flights needed to replace the highway's capacity. Moreover, air freight is five times more expensive 29:39 than truck transport, which would drive up food prices for Alaskan consumers, many of whom already 29:46 pay more for groceries than the national average. The vulnerability of Alaska's food supply was laid 29:52 bare in 2020 when a labour strike at the Port of Anchorage caused a brief disruption in shipments. 29:59 Within 48 hours, grocery store shelves in Anchorage and Fairbanks were empty, 30:05 and panic buying ensued. If the Alaska Highway were closed for an extended period, 30:11 the situation would be far worse. Stores that stock only three days' worth of fresh food would 30:18 run out almost immediately, and it could take weeks for alternative supply chains to catch up. 30:25 This hidden vulnerability makes the Alaska Highway even more critical than previously thought. While 30:32 trade and tourism are important, the ability to feed Alaska's population is a matter of basic 30:37 survival. By controlling access to the highway, Canada holds significant leverage over America. 30:45 In a worst-case scenario, Canada could use this leverage to exert pressure on 30:50 America without firing a single shot, simply by threatening to cut off Alaska's food supply. 30:58 With food supply and trade now at the heart of this geopolitical struggle, the stakes couldn't be higher. The ripple effects from cutting off the Alaska Highway 31:08 would stretch far beyond the local impact. Could the closure spark a broader economic crisis? The Bigger Picture 31:16 The Bigger Picture A closure of the Alaska Highway would not just affect Alaska and Canada; it would have major effects across North America 31:28 and potentially the world. The interconnected nature of trade, defence, and politics means 31:35 that such a move would go far beyond the immediate region. The economic impact would be felt across 31:42 the entire America-Canada trade relationship. The two countries are each other's largest 31:49 trading partners. A closure of the Alaska Highway could disrupt this trade, leading to a potential 31:57 drop in overall trade volume. While the highway itself only carries a fraction of this trade, the 32:04 symbolic and logistical impact of such a closure could lead to broader disruptions, as businesses and governments on both sides scramble to adjust. Canada would also feel the pain. The two provinces through which the highway passes rely on trade with America for their economic stability. British Columbia, for example, exports 4 billion dollars worth of lumber to America yearly, while Yukon's mining industry, particularly gold, is heavily dependent on America's markets. If America retaliated with tariffs or other economic measures, these industries could suffer significant losses. Moreover, Canada's reputation as a reliable trading partner could be damaged, leading to long-term consequences for its economy. Closure of the highway could also strain the 33:01 The Consequences America-Canada relationship, particularly in the realm of defence. The two countries are close allies, bound by treaties like the North American Aerospace Defence Command, which has been in place since 1958. NORAD relies on seamless cooperation between the American and Canadian militaries to defend North America from aerial threats. Closure of the Alaska Highway could delay joint military exercises or the movement of personnel and equipment, weakening the continent's defence posture. This would be particularly concerning in the Arctic, where Russia has been expanding its military presence in recent years. With Alaska just 55 miles from Russian territory across the Bering Strait, any disruption to American military access could embolden adversaries. The closure could also set a dangerous precedent for other countries. For example, 34:03 Mexico, which has trade disputes with America, could take inspiration from Canada's actions. In 2021, Mexico threatened to impose fees on American trucks crossing the border in response to disputes over trucking regulations. If Canada successfully uses the Alaska Highway as leverage, Mexico might be tempted to close key border crossings. This could lead to a cascade of trade disruptions across North America, with devastating economic consequences. On the other hand, a crisis like this could spur innovation and long-term solutions. For example, Alaska has long considered building a rail link from Fairbanks to Canada. The rail line could provide a more reliable and efficient way to move goods to and from Alaska, reducing dependence on the highway. Additionally, advancements in drone technology could offer new 35:03 ways to deliver food and other essentials to remote Alaskan communities, though this is still years away from being a reasonable solution. While the closure of the Alaska Highway would be painful in the short term, it could also force both countries to rethink their infrastructure and trade strategies. However, the immediate economic and political costs would be enormous, making it a scenario that both nations would likely work hard to avoid. This bold move could change North America forever—trade, trust, and all. Want more shocking twists like this? Stick around for other border shake-ups. Thanks for watching.

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