As we are all well aware now Mr. Trump has had an idea, he thinks that Canada should become America’s Cherished 51st State. Leaving aside for a moment the physical reaction to lose my lunch, let’s look at this cold and dispassionately. Mr. Trump is suggesting a hostile takeover using economic force, and increasingly belligerent talk of annexation, this is not a coming together of willing partners. Do we need to join a block to protect ourselves better?
Think about it if we were to join the US, we would be a junior partner that would be consumed by the US. Our Healthcare, Language, culture and Education… out very identity would be under assault from day one. We would have to accept their insane banking, gun laws, environmental laws, and crazy election system, just to name a few. We would also affect them, adding a progressive population to their union would drag them significantly to the left especially if we add 9 – 13 states, not just one big one. Our conservatives may seem pretty right wing at times but in the USA they would be Centrist Democrats.
On the other hand, by joining the EU we would be joining with a lot to offer and receive. We would also be joining as more of a senior player in the block. Canada would be the largest by land mass, we would be the 5th largest in population and we would be tied for third with Italy in GDP. Canada is a largely like-minded country to most of Europe, we have similar standards, institutions and ideals and we would add to the diversity of the EU and not have to give up our identity to join. Canada would provide a strong economy, manufacturing and resource sector. Canada would also offer significant critical minerals, natural resources and energy to the EU, and in saner times we would also be a bridge between Europe and the USA. Canada would gain a massive new market that is far larger than the USA, that is more cooperative than any deals we have had with the USA. This would be the kick in the backside Canada needs to get out of its complacency and grow as a people. Also our healthcare, education, social services and language would be strengthened in the European union model and not put under threat by American intollerance.
This would not mean abandoning US trade entirely, we live right next to them it is unlikely to simply disappear, it would however give us many more options.
Ron Fischer
Fischer is a Facility Manager that lives in Moncton NB, has been in the Canadian Navy AB (ret) as an Oceanographic Operator, and has participated in the political process as the President of a Barrie-Innisfil EDA in days gone by.
