Should Canada join the EU?

[Luce]

In a very theoretical world when there is nothing else besides joining and not joining then obviously yes, you would culturally fit in the EU very easily, far better than the UK even. More like The Netherlands actually in my opinion.

But then reality kinda hits hard. You are close to America, you can't join because of your trade ties to America that you would have trouble with when EU trade rules with America kick in which obviously you won't like.

So as a fantasy if there was no consequences: Yes. In reality NO though because it will hurt you economically and you don't join the EU to be hurt economically. Your trade with the EU is far less important than your trade with the US and any benefit the free trade with EU will give you, you will loose more in your trade with the US. It will take years to adapt and outgrow the loss. May be even a decade for your whole economic model.

Trade with the USA is a mug's game right now.

Better to take the hit now and adjust.

 

[Luce]

You should go back to being a colony of the UK. That’s the perfect fit.

Same could be said for the sorry pack of monarchists that is the MAGA movement.

 

[JohnRawls]

Trade with the USA is a mug's game right now.

Better to take the hit now and adjust.

People of Canada won't accept it and not exactly how politics or leadership works.

EU does provide benefits in trade negotiations and culturally and rule of law and free movement etc etc but economic benefits are still the most important ones unless you need Europe to defend your country. I don't think that Trump has any thoughts on invading Canada and if you join EU then you must be absolutely certain on that decision and know the very heavy economic downside.

It would be fine treaties wise and we would accept, we have territories(EU is in South America and in Caribbean/North America and Africa) all over the world and EU is not just a territorial creation/union but there are just too many pain for your case.

 

[Luce]

People of Canada won't accept it and not exactly how politics or leadership works.

You might be surprised by what Canadians might accept right now.

They are being extorted by a thug.

EU does provide benefits in trade negotiations and culturally and rule of law and free movement etc etc but economic benefits are still the most important ones unless you need Europe to defend your country. I don't think that Trump has any thoughts on invading Canada and if you join EU then you must be absolutely certain on that decision and know the very heavy economic downside.

Yes, it is well known that you must allow external influence on your system.

But Canada wouldn't need much in the way of changes to meet requirements.

It would be fine treaties wise and we would accept, we have territories(EU is in South America and in Caribbean/North America and Africa) all over the world and EU is not just a territorial creation/union but there are just too many pain for your case.

Like what?

 

[Peter]

Canadians would finally get legally enforced holiday time and paid sick pay.

That alone makes joining worth it.

 

[JohnRawls]

You might be surprised by what Canadians might accept right now.

They are being extorted by a thug.

Yes, it is well known that you must allow external influence on your system.

But Canada wouldn't need much in the way of changes to meet requirements.

Like what?

Would you accept loosing lets say 1/3rd of all private investment and 1/4th of your current trade exports to the US?

I am not an economist so its hard for me to judge in raw numbers but at the end of the day it all comes down to the economy. Your whole businesses are built for consumption in US and Canada and not just business models but also regulations, investment and so on. Joining the EU would mean that all of your businesses would have to adapt to some kind of new economic model in this sense. And that is painful.

I know that Trump is ass and US has not been the most stable of partners but just like the UK leaving EU was a really bad choice, so is Canada leaving US relations is a bad choice. Its hard to beat Geography long term...

 

[german hick]

I don´t have enough knowledge about the process - but I would love that. Just because one of the cool kids chooses that way

What´s funny is that even my dad at his times already said: "if it gets worse here, I go to Canada" - thank god he need not see his options run out any more..

 

[Chagos]

Heck, the Quebecois might even learn proper French.