In the times of uncertainty sane people should stick together. Canada should consider a closer integration, eventually joining the European Union

[myata]

51 minutes ago, blackbird said:

Canada could not afford that and it would destroy what little we have left of our culture. 

Ironically, the levels of immigration in the recent years in proportion to the population are probably unseen anywhere in Europe. EU is a community of nations, not a single government. The powers and responsibilities of EU bureaucracy are limited by the constitution and the checks are very real in this case not just written into a two century old book.

OK one option that isn't logical and darn right risky is pretend that nothing much is happening while the time has factually moved on. U.S. is no longer a reliable partner and will not be for a while, it's the reality that is right before our eyes. Will Canada strike it out on her own, in this new world? Can it?

[Dougie93]

1 hour ago, blackbird said:

I don't think Canada joining the European union would be good for Canada.   The UK left the union with Brexit because it created serious problems especially with immigration into the UK.  The same thing could happen to Canada.  If a country joins the EU, they lose their sovereignty and are forced to take massive immigration from the third world.  Canada could not afford that and it would destroy what little we have left of our culture.  It would seriously threaten health care and other social services. The EU would also be dictating our use and extraction of fossil fuels which would be a disaster.  

I don't think Europe is as friendly to Canada trade wise as this idea surmises

Europe is more protectionist than America is

like do European farmers want to have to compete head to head with Canada's massive agricultural resources ?

do German unions want car their companies to decamp to Ontario en masse ?

because Europeans are extremely expensive workers compared to Canadians

Canadians are cheap offshore labour by European standards

European companies set up in Canada,

but they always keep the bulk of the work in Europe, and Western European workers are pampered therein

 

[herbie]

It seems highly preferable than further integrating our economy with the USA. Especially now that's it's led by someone so untrustworthy and threatening to world order.

[myata]

Mark Carney: "it's the second time, in less than a decade that the US, in effect, ripped up a trade agreement with its closest trading partner".

It's a pattern, it's factual and official: America is no longer a reliable trade partner. Canada cannot build long term prosperity on expectations of an understanding with a narcissist bully. That idea just doesn't work in our common lives, and in relationships between countries.

Edited February 1 by myata