Andrew Percy, a former British MP and Brexit campaigner, challenges the notion that Canada should consider joining the European Union. In a recent opinion piece, he recounts hearing the idea at a dinner party in British Columbia, initially mistaking it for a joke. However, he soon realized that some Canadians genuinely believe Canada has more in common with Europe than with the United States.
The Romanticized View of Europe
Percy argues that many Canadians hold a romanticized image of Europe as a continent of educated, multilingual citizens sipping lattes in gallery cafés, calmly agreeing on international rules and moderation. This view contrasts sharply with a caricature of the United States as uncouth and ill-educated, embodied by a MAGA-hatted voter. However, Percy warns that this perception is misleading.
Europe's Populist Reality
Percy points out that Europe is not immune to the populist and radical forces seen in the U.S. Hard-right, nationalist, and populist parties have gained traction across the continent, including the AFD in Germany, Vox in Spain, National Rally in France, and the Freedom Party in Austria. Additionally, far-left parties and street protests have emerged, challenging the notion that Europe is an antidote to American populism.
Why EU Membership Is Not in Canada's Interest
Percy emphasizes that joining the EU would entail a significant loss of sovereignty for Canada. Canadian laws would be subject to decisions made by unelected officials and enforced by a European Court. He notes that when the U.K. was a member of the EU, approximately 60% of its laws originated from the EU. This, he argues, is not in Canada's best interest.
Trade Realities
Percy also highlights that opposition to the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) came from a broad coalition, including the far left, trade unions, and the populist right. This suggests that Canada's warm embrace of Europe may not be reciprocated.
While Percy acknowledges that Canada should diversify its trade policy, especially given recent U.S. trade policies, he insists that EU membership is neither realistic nor desirable. Instead, he urges Canadians to base their decisions on realism rather than romanticized notions of Europe.
