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Canada welcomes EU proposal to become 'associate member'

284 points · 354 comments · witweb

  1. philippemnoel · · focus · HN ↗
    As a Canadian, I find this unbelievably good news. Canada, the EU, and other middle powers need to unite. Stronger together, while preserving what makes each country unique.
    1. orochimaaru · · focus · HN ↗
      Are there any tangible economic benefits here? Or is it just a label?
      1. bryanlarsen · · focus · HN ↗
        Europe and Canada are going through a very significant "buy local" phase. If Canadian goods are considered local from the European perspective, that opens up a lot of opportunities.
        1. criddell · · focus · HN ↗
          What does buy local mean if goods shipped from the other side of the planet are considered local?
          1. sandworm101 · · focus · HN ↗
            It means neither will be buying american, which is "good" in that it helps cut ties with the US, which is what america seems to want.
            1. thayne · · focus · HN ↗
              It is what people in control of the US government seem to want. Which is not the same as what the American population wants (although there is a subset that wants it). As an American, it is absolutely not what I want.
              1. badc0ffee · · focus · HN ↗
                If only there was a way for the government to represent the will of the people.
          2. icedrift · · focus · HN ↗
            The same thing, "buy American" means to an American. I.E. A New Yorker might prefer timber from across the continent in California even though Canada is right there.
            1. WarmWash · · focus · HN ↗
              Considering most liberals still are doing this "We considered an EV but a gas car was still is cheaper" song and dance, I would bet all my money that people just stick to whatever is cheapest, as they always do.
          3. gonzalohm · · focus · HN ↗
            Local as in the same economic area
          4. ninalanyon · · focus · HN ↗
            I don't think the movement is "buy local" it's more "buy from people we trust".
          5. madibo3156 · · focus · HN ↗
            Maybe it's something like "make purchasing decisions that maximally bolster your local economy, in aggregate, in the long term, where you deem it suitable for your needs"? Doesn't roll off the tongue though. Buy local.
        2. mantas · · focus · HN ↗
          Aye, let's redefine what „local“ means and keep buying globally. Same BS as with mercosur and all other global trade deals.
        3. 1over137 · · focus · HN ↗
          >Europe and Canada are going through a very significant "buy local" phase.

          Not exactly. The sentiment I see is more like ‘buy anything but USA’.

        4. toasty228 · · focus · HN ↗
          Buying local is to cut transportation/pollution, not to buy from your friends...
          1. bryanlarsen · · focus · HN ↗
            Buying local in 2026 mostly means weaning oneself from Google/AWS/Meta/etc.
            1. toasty228 · · focus · HN ↗
              99% of people don't know what aws is... buying local is mostly for physical products, food, etc. I know we're on HN but come on lol
              1. bryanlarsen · · focus · HN ↗
                It's called the "Buy European" movement in Europe and the "Buy Canadian" movement in Canada (aka Elbows Up). Walk into a store and there are little maple leafs on the price tag of every Canadian product.

                I apologize for confusing by trying to simplify with the buy local tag, which is different.

                1. gls2ro · · focus · HN ↗
                  If this alliance will be signed and has the support of people from both sides then Buy Canadian and Buy European will mean Buy European or Canadian.

                  We might need a new name for this in 10 years if it works.

                  Like Buy EuroCan or But Caneu (maybe better names)

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