Share this Story : National Post Copy Link Email X Reddit Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr

Chris Selley: We can learn things from the EU without joining it

Europeans often evince just as much of an idealized view of Canada as some Canadians do of the European Union

You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account.

Nothing about the idea of Canada joining the European Union has ever made any sense. More trade with Europe? Absolutely. But a political union? It’s not just ludicrous but impossible on multiple levels, including constitutionally. And one of the oddest things about it has been watching the idea come almost exclusively from the centre-left of the Canadian political spectrum. If anything, it’s the right that should welcome the idea.

Enjoy the latest local, national and international news.

Exclusive articles by Conrad Black, Barbara Kay and others. Plus, special edition NP Platformed and First Reading newsletters and virtual events.

Unlimited online access to National Post.

National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.

Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.

Support local journalism.

Enjoy the latest local, national and international news.

Exclusive articles by Conrad Black, Barbara Kay and others. Plus, special edition NP Platformed and First Reading newsletters and virtual events.

Unlimited online access to National Post.

National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.

Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.

Support local journalism.

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

Access articles from across Canada with one account.

Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.

Enjoy additional articles per month.

Get email updates from your favourite authors.

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

Access articles from across Canada with one account

Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments

Enjoy additional articles per month

Get email updates from your favourite authors

Sign In or Create an Account

To wit: On Wednesday in Brussels, the European Parliament resoundingly passed new rules for member states on asylum policy. Removal orders for people found living illegally in EU member countries will come with an actual short-term obligation to leave — what a concept! — and if authorities deem a person a risk to abscond, that person can be detained for up to 30 months while the authorities sort out the file. Countries can also deport these people to “return hubs” — third countries willing to accept them to await the final decision.

Chris Selley: We can learn things from the EU without........

© National Post