Canada Should Join the EU

As America turns more and more isolationist and protectionist, Canada should join the EU. This isn’t simply some knee jerk reaction to a President who has no respect for treaties, for history, for sacrifice and respect. This is about a rational approach to the future that states unequivocally that Canadians see their future within and with the interests of the European Union.

America has turned its back on Canada. For Canadians, it’s long past time when we should not turn our backs on the U.S. Rather than acting as a ally, friend and trusted neighbour, America is demonstrating that none of that is true.

Canada is an ideal fit with the EU, and would help act as an anchor for European and Canadian independence and democratic sovereignty. We meet all the Copenhagen criteria for membership. We believe in democratic government, the rule of law, a well-regulated market economy and we, unlike our neighbour believe in minority and human rights.

Canada is rich, and not just in a financial context. Our resources extend into the cultural elements that still bind Canadians to Europe. Canadians believe in multiculturalism, in social justice, solidarity and inclusiveness, realized through a strong welfare-state. One of Europe’s besetting weaknesses is disagreement between the British and French, but on this the two historic rivals would agree, English-speaking Canada would strengthen the anglophone group in the EU, Quebec the francophone.

Canadians believe in the value of NATO and in supporting International Organizations. We believe in the rights of women, something our neighbour no longer does. We are neither racist, or misogynistic and we tend to think that men and women should be able to live more or less as they please with whomever we please, irrespective of gender and sexual orientation.

We are also not a Christian nation. We believe in religious tolerance and that all religions hold the same weight in our society. We support and affirm that those who do not believe have all the same rights and privileges as believers.

We do tend to be a little more self-reliant and have a greater frontier spirit than most Europeans, but of course, in a wild and untamed land, such as Canada, that spirit is what made us successful.

We are not xenophobic. We believe in immigration and the rights of ethnic minorities, and appreciate that difference need not mean unacceptable. Canadian values would be good for Europe.

In the past, even the idea of being considered a part of Europe, would seem ludicrous. But then, if we are not of like mind, why is Canada part of NATO?

Today, the bedrock of geographical union is shifting. Common interest, common values, common markets and the loss of both interdependency and friendship between Canada and the U.S. would suggest that at least to the U.S., our relationship holds little value.

Nations that disrespect you, don’t value you.

Canada should now act decisively to not just illustrate but to permanently change the status quo between the U.S. and Canada. While we are integrated into the U.S. economy, the EU would look favourably on Canada joining. Our values are the same, and it is time for Canada to assert its independence of action, invigorate its military, and look beyond the myopia of America as superior.

America isn’t superior when it comes to most things that matter to Canadians. Two areas are important only. Canada’s military weakness, and that Canada’s economy has been mostly tied to the United States.

Both of these concerns can be remedied, although the process may take time, which is much better than abrogating our principles and possibly our sovereignty.

A Threat to Canadian Sovereignty

Trump has no respect for weakness, though he himself is a coward. Be that as it may, Trump’s psychological issues not withstanding, Canada needs to act in its sovereign interest.

Trump is a bully, and like most would-be, or will-be dictators, needs to be cut down to size. Canada should clearly act to move away from America’s lack of values and its negative influences. If Trump still chooses a trade war in response, then so be it. Canada has much to offer the rest of the world.

Irrespective of the power imbalance, the relationship that Canada and the U.S. have forged has been based on norms, values and customs that translated into agreements. It now seems that Trump wants to throw that into the dustbin of history.

If he does so, Canada should immediately impose countervailing tariffs on oil and gas, and electricity; Not to mention institute the complete 25% tariff on every other product including automobiles, aircraft purchases, and all transportation products.

Will that hurt? Of course it will, on both sides of the border. But caving to a dictator and a morally and ethically bankrupt sociopath would hurt more.