As Lester B. Pearson once said: “Politics is the skillful use of blunt objects. » Politics can create disagreements and conflicts between two countries, but it can also affect relations between countries. When Canadian Prime Minister Diefenbaker refused to accept American warheads, it set back relations between Canada and the United States. However, in many ways we still help each other. Canada benefits from close ties with the United States of America as they contribute to our economy, shape our culture and provide military protection. First of all, Canada benefits from close ties with America because they help us with our economy. In the late 1950s and 1960s, the opening of American branches was introduced to Canadians. American companies would come to Canada and open large American businesses to serve Canadian consumers. New policies began to be transmitted in 1965, such as the Automotive Products Trade Agreement (APTA or Autopact). This policy allowed the free movement of vehicles between the Canadian and American border. This also allowed the American branch's factories to operate in Canada without having to pay customs duties. To date, it is estimated that more than 50% of businesses operating in Canada are foreign-owned. However, this can be seen as a positive aspect since it has created many jobs for Canadians. Canadian consumers have also been strongly persuaded to purchase items made in Canada because it helps create jobs in Canada. Another reason why American ties contribute to the Canadian economy is that America is Canada's largest trading partner. Given the geographical position between Canada and America, to cross the border it is enough to cross the land with a vehicle. Both countries are in the middle of paper...... two countries did not help each other, we would not know the world as we know it today. Works Cited Bolotta, Angelo, Charles Hawkes, Fred Jarman, Marc Keirstead and Jennifer Watt, Canada: Face of a Nation. Toronto: Gage Educational Publishing Company, 2000. Todd, Daigneault, “The Influence of the United States on Canadian Culture,” North American Culture, http://www.lifepaths360.com/index.php/the-influence- of-the - united-states-on-canadian-culture-7437/, (accessed May 26, 2014).Bruce Cherne, “Ford of Canada Plant — 150 Model Ts were produced daily in the Portage and Wall building of the business”, Winnipeg Relators, http: //www.winnipegrealestatenews.com/Resources/Article/?sysid=1803, (accessed May 26, 2014).BookRagsMediaNetwork,BrainyQuote,http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes /l/lesterbpe1-0256.html, (accessed May 26 2014).