Our Canadian world politics lately have reminded me of the old-fashioned bully on the playground.
The big guy – usually not the brightest guy – uses his size, strength and intimidation to harass the smaller children and take what he wants. Eventually, the other kids decide they have had enough. They pick up their balls and bats and go somewhere else to play.
Lately, that feels remarkably familiar on the world stage.
For reasons that are difficult to understand, the United States has increasingly used its economic and political power in ways that leave Canada questioning just how dependable our closest neighbour really is. For a country that has traditionally relied so heavily on the American market, this is an uncomfortable reality.
And perhaps it is time for us to become a little less comfortable.
The recent discussion about Canada becoming an associate member of the European Union is fascinating. It is also important to understand that this is not a proposal for Canada to become a full member of the EU. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has proposed creating a new associate-member relationship for Canada, something that does not currently exist in this form. The details still have to be negotiated.
But I find myself genuinely optimistic about the possibilities.
I am not an expert in international trade or European politics. I cannot pretend to understand every clause, agreement or economic implication involved. What I do understand is that change is necessary.
Canada cannot afford to put all of its economic eggs in one basket.
Our relationship with the United States will remain enormously important. Geography alone guarantees that. But dependence and partnership are not necessarily the same thing. A strong Canada should be capable of maintaining a close relationship with the United States while also building meaningful relationships elsewhere.
Europe offers an obvious opportunity.
Canada and the EU already have a trade agreement through CETA, and the two sides have been expanding cooperation in areas including trade, security, climate, technology, critical supply chains and research. Canada is also participating in European defence procurement initiatives.
There is strength in numbers.
When countries with broadly similar democratic values and interests stand together, they have more ability to withstand economic pressure, protect their interests and respond to global challenges. That matters in a world where trade is becoming increasingly unpredictable and technology is advancing faster than governments – and sometimes even the people developing it – can keep up.
Of course, Canada must protect its own sovereignty. We must protect our natural resources. Climate change must remain on the agenda. Canadian workers, businesses and communities must benefit from whatever new partnerships we pursue.
But sovereignty does not mean standing alone.
To me, sovereignty means having the freedom to choose our partners, protect our interests and decide our own future.
Perhaps that is what this moment is really about.
Canada does not have to turn its back on the United States. Nor does it have to choose one continent over another.
We simply need to stop believing that our future depends on having only one option.
Maybe it is time for Canada to pick up its ball, walk off the playground and discover just how much bigger the world really is.