Anthony Furey: Is Becoming an EU Associate Member Wise Given the State of the European Economy?

Commentary What should Canada’s relationship be with the European Union? That’s a question many Canadians are now discussing after European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen recently said she wants Canada to be an “associate member,” and Prime Minister Mark Carney welcomed the proposal, saying he is seeking a “unique alliance.” The issue will be formally presented to the nation in a little over a month. At the end of October, the two-day Canada-EU Summit will be convened in Montreal, where European politicians and bureaucrats will gather to discuss further ties between their countries and Canada. This is when it’s expected the details will be hammered out about what exactly it will mean for Canada to join the political and economic union of 27 countries. We will then have an opportunity to weigh the pros and cons and decide whether it’s something worth pursuing....