Instead of the “51st state”, a new EU member? Canadians open to accession

25 percent Canadians believe that Canada's entry into the European Union would be a good idea, and another 58 percent – that this is an idea worth taking a closer look at. This is the result of the latest survey by the Canadian center Spark Advocacy.

US President Donald Trump's actions to change the international order have led many people to look at new possibilities, and “the continued hostility that Trump demonstrates towards NATO has influenced Canadians' desire for a future in which the decisions of the US administration have less ability to influence our lives in Canada,” wrote Bruce Anderson, co-founder of Spark Advocacy, in a commentary on the study posted on the Substack platform.

He pointed out that Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's January speeches in Davos contributed to greater cooperation between medium-sized countries, which Carney described in his speech as “middle powers.” “Although (Carney – PAP) stressed that EU membership is not his intention (…), much more attention is paid both in Europe and in Canada to how to get closer in economic and security matters,” Anderson emphasized.

Spark Advocacy: 25 percent Canadians support joining the EU, and 58 percent I want to explore this idea

In an online survey, Spark Advocacy asked a question relating to the ongoing discussion about whether Canada could join the EU, 25 percent. responds that it is a good idea, 58 percent – that it is worth taking a look at, 17 percent decided it was a bad idea.

Voters of the Liberal Party (32% in favor, 59% would take a closer look at this idea, 9% against) and the Bloc Quebecois (31%, 58% and 11% respectively) are positive about Canada joining the EU. the left-wing New Democratic Party (28%, 60% and 12%). Opponents of the idea of ​​Canada joining the EU are mainly among Conservative Party voters, 33%. they say no, but 17 percent it would be in favour, 50 percent. – I would like to take a look at the idea.

At the same time, 64 percent respondents believe that Brexit was a wrong decision for the British. The voters of the Bloc Quebecois (76%), Liberals (72%), NDP (69%) are the most critical of Brexit, and Brexit critics predominate among Conservative voters (55%).

Canadians want to be closer to Europe and are harsh on Brexit

Anderson pointed out that many factors influence Canadians' opinions, and “isolationism is not fashionable, and multilateralism is not considered a dirty word“He emphasized that what matters to Canadians is a pragmatic approach, including access to diverse markets, and that they choose cooperation with different countries on issues such as security and climate change.

He also pointed out that Canadian Conservatives have criticized Prime Minister Carney in recent months for his travels around the world “only to learn that the vast majority of Canadians think otherwise.” Anderson emphasized that the actions of Trump and the MAGA movement have significantly divided conservative voters in Canada.

There was more talk about strengthening cooperation between Canada and the EU after Donald Trump won the 2024 presidential election, a series of comments about Canada as the “51st state” and statements about the annexation of Canada. In January last year The Economist published an analysis titled “Why Canada should join the European Union.” Last June Canada has expanded the principles of its partnership with the EU and signed a defense agreement with the EU, which allows it to participate in the ReArm Europe program and the SAFE program.

Spark Advocacy – is a company operating in Ottawa since 2016 specializing in public communication, market research and marketing. Substack, in turn, is an American platform enabling paid subscriptions, targeting its services to writers, journalists, commentators, authors of newsletters and blogs.

From Toronto Anna Lach (PAP)

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