Why Canada and EU must move forward in partnership

Date: 07/12/1995

By Jacques Roy

IN 1958, Canada appointed an ambassador to the European Economic Community (EEC). It was the first non-member state to do so. In 1976, Canada signed an Agreement on Economic Cooperation with the EEC. It was the first such agreement with a developed country.

These two events symbolise the importance Canada attaches to the development of its relations with Europe. They also underline the interest Canada has been showing in the process of European integration.

This is not surprising - Canada is a very European country. Indeed, in addition to the many people from its two mother countries, France and Britain, Canada has citizens who originate from each and every country of Europe.

Through bilingualism, Canada has put its two dominant languages, English and French, on an equal level. And through multi-cultural programmes, Canada is enabling citizens of other origins to maintain their traditions.

This has led some people to become concerned about so much encouragement for diversity. We continue to believe, however, that there is strength in such diversity and that new roots can become stronger when drawn on previous ones.

It is very rewarding for Canadians to observe the changes taking place in Europe. With thousands of its citizens buried in the war cemeteries of Europe, Canada rejoices in the thought that member states of the European Union have resolved to work together in peace.

For nearly 50 years, Canada maintained armed forces in Europe to face a common threat. This focus on security came to be seen as the main axis of Canadian interests in Europe.

But early in the post-Cold War era, Canada started adjusting to the new situation. It recognised the changing nature of security threats and the over-arching necessity of dealing with economic restructuring. By helping to create NAFTA and by encouraging free-trade arrangements in the Americas and the Asia-Pacific region, Canada began to deal with these new realities.

At the same time, however, and despite large increases in direct investment, trade with Europe seemed to stagnate and the economic agenda became dominated by disputes. These factors suggested that Canadian and European interests were diverging. Something needed to be done.

In looking at the creativity and openness that have come to characterise relations among other regions of the world, Canada came to the conclusion that similar efforts should be made in the development of 21st century ties between North America and Europe.

In the past week, the United States and the EU have agreed on a range of cooperative efforts to address the challenges of the present and the future.

Many of these efforts reflect the work that Canada and the European Union have been doing over the past several years to facilitate trade and create new opportunities. Canada looks forward to proceeding with this work together with the European Union in the coming months.

Yet there remains a need for a new vision to inspire a common faith in a future we are bound to share. “A man's reach should exceed his grasp, or what's a heaven for?” we were told centuries ago. That assertion should guide us to aim for goals that may seem to be beyond our capacity because of the apparent limits of political demands and economic resources.

Canada's leaders have suggested free trade as a means of working towards that vision. With that goal in mind, Canadian and European officials must develop a will to act together that can modernise the Europe-North America partnership.

As an interested but outside observer, Canada has perhaps a view of the European Union that its citizens, even those most hotly engaged in 'European construction', have not yet fully realised. For us, Europe is an increasingly cohesive international actor. Whether it is in trade negotiations or elections to office in international organisations, no result can be achieved unless there is a European position and until such position has been factored into the broader international process.

From its early days, the European Community played a key role in building the rules-based international economic order that has contributed so much to the increase in global prosperity in the last two generations. There may be no single European telephone number, but no one doubts the existence of a 'European role' and a 'European voice'.

The problems that Canada has experienced with the European Union over the years often mirror those identified by Europe's own citizens. Its decision-making process is cumbersome, and its procedures are complex. They could be streamlined to respond more rapidly to some of the world's faster moving problems. They could have more clarity and predictability and they could be more open to constructive consultation.

More than some others, Canada has on occasion seen its interests harmed by the actions of groups that could be better informed. But this in no way alters Canada's determination to enhance its relations with Europe.

There can be no doubt that a European Union - confident in its own identity and institutions - is a partner that can play a most useful role in the world. Success in building a tolerant, democratic and diverse Europe encourages these tendencies elsewhere. It is a Europe that has strength to share.

I would like to conclude with a few words about the recent referendum in Quebec. Its results have led some to wonder about the future of Canada. Some have mentioned to me their complete disbelief that a country with so much ability to face daunting challenges could one day break up. They are right. This will not happen.

A demand for change has been voiced and it has been heard. Already Prime Minister Jean Chrétien has made significant proposals. They reflect the fact that Canada has faith in itself. They show that Canada's peoples, be they aboriginals, citizens of French and British descent or of other origins, can all work together and develop an ever more prosperous and united country.

This will be the country that will have a close partnership with the European Union in the twenty-first century.

H E Jacques Roy is Canada's ambassador to the EU.