Should the U.S. and Canada share a common currency?

I am certainly not an economist, or even a very skilled mathematician, but as an average Canadian citizen, I would welcome having a shared currency with the US. Our dollars are currently at par, so this might be an ideal time to take the step.

When my husband and I travel in the United States, it is a nuisance to have to exchange Canadian money for American. As soon as you get a few miles from the border, if you happen to get a few pennies mixed, the cashier will look at you oddly and remark, "We don't take any foreign money!" Now really, is this the way neighbors should interact?

The United States has a larger population and thus, a larger tax base, a more favorable climate, more scientists, a greater range and supply of technology, and a larger and better-equipped military force than Canada.

In the event of a third world war, our two countries would be thrown together as close allies in the joint defense of the North American continent. It would make sense to prepare for that eventuality, by at least sharing the same currency. In a time of crises, troops, weapons and supplies will need to cross the border quickly and efficiently. There will be no time to stop and figure out the current exchange rate.

Canada has a vast expanse of unsettled land in its northern regions. The climate is harsh now for many months of the year. With global warming, that may change. Canada also has a vast number of  natural resources but the government often lacks the technology, the finances, and the manpower to garner and develop them. The United States could supply all these, and the two countries could share the profits. A common currency would be facilitate this mutually-beneficial arrangement much more readily.

For many years, the Canadian dollar has been weak, compared to the American dollar. That has given Canada a slight advantage when it comes to foreign trade. Now that the dollars are at par, many industries are complaining that they will have trouble competing with the US. In my opinion, that's just too bad. Maybe it's time they stopped whining and brought their quality and production methods up to the level of the competition. If they can't or won't do that, they deserve to lose money.

The countries in Europe have adopted a common currency, and it seems to be working well for them. It may be time for the countries of  North America to take a similar action.

Since the dollars have reached parity, cross-border shopping has increased tremendously. It is too easy for unscrupulous merchants to deduct an extra penny or two, saying the exchange rate has increased. Shoppers can't possibly keep up with every little fluctuation, and that fact is well-known to those who wish to exploit them.

When my husband and I travel, once we pass customs, it is easy to forget that we're in a different country. Our people are similar in language, traditions, and culture. Sharing a common currency would seem to be only a natural progression of our common heritage. It would be extending the concept of neighborliness one more step, and that can't be a bad thing.