Canada is at a crossroads, and it’s time to ask a question that most politicians and media won’t touch: What if we formalized a North American Union with the United States and Mexico? Not a takeover. Not the 51st state. A union.
The idea might sound controversial, even radical, but let’s stop for a second and consider it seriously. Some argue that Canada should align with Europe instead, but that makes no sense logistically. Europe is an ocean away. The European Union is a collection of nations with wildly different economies, languages, and histories. They’ve created a system allowing trade, shared infrastructure, and open movement between member states. A North American Union (NAU) could achieve the same—without the geographic, cultural, or logistical hurdles Europe faced.
A 2017 survey commissioned by the Association for Canadian Studies found that most Canadians want to remain sovereign. According to the poll, 82% of Canadians opposed joining the U.S. outright. Atlantic Canadians were the most opposed (87%), while Alberta had the highest support (16%). Women (86%) were more against the idea than men (78%). The message was clear: Canadians don’t want to be part of the U.S. But that wasn’t the question. The real question should be: Why not create something that benefits all of North America while preserving sovereignty?
The European Union provides a useful model. EU nations still control their own laws and governments, but they benefit from shared trade agreements, a common currency (the euro), and an open-border policy that allows for easier movement of goods and labor. The EU has created a bloc that can compete globally with the U.S., China, and other economic powers. If Canada, the U.S., and Mexico formed a similar economic union, we’d have the combined strength to negotiate better trade deals, reduce costs, and create more opportunities.
A North American Union would resolve many trade disputes immediately. President Donald Trump has often taken issue with Canada’s economic policies, writing on social media: “Canada doesn’t even allow U.S. Banks to open or do business there. What’s that all about?” He’s right. The banking sector in Canada is one of the most protected in the world. Five major banks dominate the market, raking in billions while offering limited competition. Meanwhile, Americans enjoy a range of banking choices. A North American Union would force Canadian banks to compete, lowering fees and providing better services for consumers.
The same protectionist model applies to the airline industry. Ever wonder why it’s so expensive to fly from Winnipeg to Calgary compared to a similar U.S. route? It’s because Canada blocks foreign airlines from operating domestic flights. If U.S. airlines could compete here, ticket prices would drop, service would improve, and Canadians would benefit. But instead, our government protects the existing airlines, limiting our options and keeping prices high.
Advertising is another example of Canada’s economic gatekeeping. U.S. companies are effectively blocked from advertising directly to Canadian consumers in many cases. Why? Protectionism. Meanwhile, Canadian companies can expand into the U.S. market with relative ease. It’s a one-sided system that limits choice and keeps prices high.
And then there’s trade. The so-called “trade war” hyped by media and politicians is little more than posturing. Every industry in Canada is watching how this plays out because it impacts bottom lines. Yet, instead of looking for an opportunity, politicians are using it as a talking point to score political wins. If we had a North American Union, these disputes would disappear. The economies would be integrated, allowing goods and services to move freely, benefiting businesses on both sides of the border.
Of course, a North American Union wouldn’t mean giving up our identity. Europe has figured this out. France is still France. Germany is still Germany. Each country retains its own culture, government, and laws. A North American model could do the same, preserving Canadian values while removing the barriers that hold us back economically.
There’s no question that Canada has a strong national identity. We are proud of our history, our resilience, and our accomplishments. But we can’t afford to ignore reality. Our economy is not as competitive as it could be. Our industries are overregulated and protected to a fault. We lack competition in key sectors, making life more expensive for everyday Canadians. A North American Union could change that overnight.
Seizing this opportunity would require real leadership—leaders willing to think outside the box and challenge the status quo. It’s easy to say no. It’s easy to fear change. But the real question is: What are we afraid of? More jobs? Lower prices? A stronger economy? Those aren’t threats. They’re opportunities.
We need to stop letting outdated fears dictate our future. We don’t have to become the 51st state. We don’t have to lose our culture. But we do have to think bigger. The world is changing fast. If we don’t act, we’ll be left behind.
It’s time to start the conversation. Canada needs a bold vision for its future. And a North American Union might just be the answer.