(Sep 17, 2026 05:24 PM)Zinjanthropos Wrote: AFAIK we’ve been made an associate member. Whoopee! Don’t see the significance but I guess some do.

But because I live directly within eyesight of the USA then all I can do is observe. Not seeing a lot of American tags on our highways as I used to. Peace Bridge traffic not heavy at all and despite all the tariff stuff there are still American trucks at inspection stations. Duty free store has closed, not enough traffic. Buffalo Bills still very popular here and when playing at home there are Canadians with tickets going over bridge(s). Heard where there was some good natured interaction between the American and Canadian tour boats below Niagara Falls that involved throwing a football back and forth. No one I know hates the Americans. Disliking Trump is another thing.

Most people like Carney except the flag waving, horn honking F150 drivers (no gun racks allowed in rear window) who disagree with current govt. Normal. We drive less, we eat less and I think high prices probably affects our health positively by being so. Still have nutjobs that make it to the States to stir up shit and Govt Oppostion parties that disagree with Carney, again normal. All in all I think we’re not really missing the USA. Trump is not going to change his MO so we adjust and it seems to be working out positively.

Quote: If America is tariffing countries to attempt to expand its area of influence (or for any reason) then it is only to be expected that other countries will "trade around" them.

(Sep 17, 2026 08:28 PM)Syne Wrote: The problem is that Canadian exports have been tailored to the US consumer market. Pivoting to other markets will take time... and cost more shipping. Can the Canadian economy take that added strain right now? I don't know.

(Sep 17, 2026 09:11 PM)Syne Wrote: Except, Canada relies on oil pipelines that run through the US. So again, it would take time to adapt, if that were to suddenly change.

What could EU associate member status mean for Canada?
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c8vgy3pq5ywyo

EXCERPTS: EU associate membership does not currently exist and the process to create it could take years. If associate status were enshrined in EU treaties, it would require unanimity and ratification among all 27 member states.

If associate status were enshrined in EU treaties, it would require unanimity and ratification among all 27 member states. Despite von der Leyen's overtures towards Canada, some EU countries would prefer to build on existing defence and trade agreements rather than create a new form of membership.

The EU is Canada's second-largest trading partner and the far-reaching Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement was agreed more than a decade ago, though several of the bloc's 27 members are yet to ratify that agreement.

The current trade deal does not remove border checks. Would associate membership change that? It also remains to be seen what associate membership would mean for Canada's relationship with the European single market.

Were Canada to one day join the single market, it would have to match EU regulations and standards while having no say on policy – in a similar way to European Economic Area countries Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein, or Switzerland, which has a separate deal.

(Sep 18, 2026 02:18 AM)Syne Wrote: Again, new pipelines take time to build, with a fair more litigious and regulated environment than the 70s... even if you still have those kind of skills and manpower available.

No one doubts how much oil Canada has. But even moving it from province to province requires US pipelines right now.

Yes, Canada can build pipelines between provinces, but such projects often require extensive regulatory approvals and consultations with Indigenous communities and stakeholders. The process can be complex and may face legal and political challenges.

Current regulatory requirements for building pipelines in Canada include compliance with the Impact Assessment Act, which mandates environmental assessments, and obtaining necessary permits from federal and provincial authorities. Additionally, companies must engage with Indigenous communities and adhere to safety and operational standards set by regulatory bodies.

Indigenous consultations are crucial in pipeline construction in Canada, as they ensure that the rights and concerns of Indigenous Peoples are considered and addressed. Regulatory bodies like the Canada Energy Regulator require companies to engage with Indigenous communities to assess potential impacts on their rights and the environment before proceeding with projects.

Recent legal challenges to pipeline projects in Canada include First Nations opposition to the Kino Aski project and concerns raised over the controversial Churchill Falls project, as highlighted at the Canada Investment Summit in Toronto.

First Nations lead Kino Aski LNG – A major Canadian energy project: "Kino Aski Inc. and Marinvest Energy Canada Inc. emphasize that the project remains in the development phase. Discussions with governments, communities, and industry partners are ongoing. No formal regulatory process has yet begun. Additional details will be released as technical studies, environmental assessments, and consultations with rightsholders and stakeholders advance."