Authored by William Brooks via The Epoch Times,
Late last December, Canadian businessman Kevin O’Leary, affectionately known as Mr. Wonderful, reignited a longstanding public debate on the concept of “continentalism” in North America.
Shortly after the re-election of President Donald Trump, O’Leary presented the advantages of an EU-style economic union between Canada and the USA.
“I like this idea and at least half of Canadians are interested,” he stated.
Unfavorable Timing
Unfortunately, O’Leary’s proposal coincided with a challenging period.
The credibility of his vision was immediately undermined by the new U.S. President’s controversial demand for Canada to become the 51st state.
Following Trump’s inauguration, Washington took a tough stance on tariffs and trade, signaling no special treatment for Canada. Tensions escalated as USMCA trade negotiations loomed.
In March, Justin Trudeau stepped down, and Mark Carney, former Bank of England President, assumed leadership of the Liberal Party of Canada. In April, Mr. Carney became prime minister, but his party fell short of a majority in the House of Commons.
The new Liberal government quickly adopted an assertive stance in the impending trade dispute with the USA. By the summer of 2025, any talk of a Can-Am economic union was overshadowed by animosity on both sides of the border.
Revisiting a Concept
The notion of a EU-style Can-Am union has a rich history and merits reconsideration.
Following the British North America Act of 1867, Canadian scholar Goldwin Smith advocated for closer ties with the USA through a continental economic structure. Smith defended this idea in a 1891 book titled “Canada and the Canadian Question.” Alternatives supporting British ties or full economic independence proved unsustainable.
Today, the case for a Can-Am union is stronger than ever. Enhanced economic integration, trade barrier removal, and regulatory alignment could significantly boost cross-border investment. A shared currency would mitigate exchange rate fluctuations, reduce costs, and enhance price transparency. Facilitating citizen mobility akin to the EU could address labor shortages, create opportunities for young workers, boost productivity, and offset demographic shifts due to aging populations.
Coordinated efforts in infrastructure, environmental regulations, and energy production would optimize transportation systems, energy resources, and communication networks. Consistent regulations would attract investors, secure critical resources, and lessen reliance on adversarial suppliers. A Can-Am union would unite a population of 388.8 million across 19.82 million square kilometers with a combined GDP nearing $32 trillion.
In education, mutual credential recognition, research collaboration, and professional mobility would enrich a North American cultural market capable of rivaling global influencers like the Chinese Communist Party.
A unified market with harmonized policies could bolster security and enhance geopolitical influence in a multipolar world. Collaboration in intelligence, cybersecurity, and defense could fortify North America’s defenses.
Overcoming Resistance
Similar to the era of Goldwin Smith, resistance to O’Leary’s continentalist idea persists.
Opposition stems from concerns about loss of control, labor market impacts, and fear of imbalance in partnerships. However, shifting realities are fostering a more receptive attitude towards the continental proposal.
Notably, many young North Americans seek greater mobility and fresh opportunities amidst economic challenges. In Canada, a significant number have emigrated due to cost of living, limited job prospects, and disillusionment with government. Despite anti-American sentiments in the media, the United States remains a preferred destination for departing Canadians.
Perhaps it is time to reconsider Kevin O’Leary’s proposition, as the late British Prime Minister Harold Wilson once said: “He who rejects change is the architect of decay. The only human institution which rejects progress is the cemetery.”
Opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and may not represent the views of The Epoch Times or ZeroHedge.
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