CANADA THREATENS EU RELATIONS??!!
Today, the Canadian Council of Federation met and talked about trade. The delegates seemed disappointed with their current trade agreement in the country. Throughout the committee there were many twists and turns and very interesting points brought up by each delegate. This conference was significantly impactful to the EU with many points raised that could disrupt the EU’s relations with Canada. When Euronews arrived delegates in the committee were discussing the provincial trade agreements that Canada has set in the past couple of years.
Delegates like Doug Ford (premier of Ontario). Had pointed out that Canada must focus on unification. Many delegates also pointed out that Canada should be focusing on provincial relations rather than international relations. During the unmod almost all delegates formed blocks with the basic idea of diverting from international trade and strengthening trade between provinces. This can cause chaos with EU citizens and politicians as Canada’s prime minister Mark Carney has been recently making many trips to the EU to talk and negotiate various trade agreements and yet there is still a dispute in the Canadian government about international and EU relations. This should not be a problem as their leader wants to work with the EU while the rest of the government doesn’t believe it's their top priority.
The majority of the delegates also suggested that the country have one license to work in every province. Kind of like the EUs world renowned license and certification frameworks where people can work and learn across member states. If these resolution papers pass, this could significantly hinder the EUs relationship with the delegation of Canada.
During the press conference Euronews asked the following questions (keep in mind that the answers of this questions are multiple delegates opinions summarized to make this article easier to read):
Q: Will Canada slow or stop international trade to prioritize the improvement of internal trade?
A: No we will balance our improvements with our international trade
Q: Will Canada allow external organizations (from other countries) that have offices/registered in Canada to take advantage of this agreement and contribute to their and Canada's economy
A: While we will be prioritizing our companies and citizens first. Allies will be able to apply to use our new infrastructures and solutions
Q: Will Canada expand their free trade agreement to other countries?
A: While we are not discussing expansion right now as we are still in early talks. As the conference moves on we might implement an idea like this later on.
Delegates of the council of federation have recently presented resolution papers and almost none of them have considered EU or foreign relations and rather focused on internal trade within the country. Even though the resolution papers have not considered the potential impact to foreign exports and relations. Europe can still be hopeful as these position papers aim to increase the quality of Canadian goods. By improving the Canadian goods quality the EU can receive better minerals and more Canadian products. This is especially favorable as with rising tensions with the US. The EU member states must expand their trade partners and look to improving relations with already existing allys. Overall, Euronews thinks it's a great thing that Canada is strengthening their trade barriers so they can provide their partners and allies with better resources and products and although it might have its downsides and uncertainties Europe can look forward to what comes next from Canada.