Most Canadians Open To Joining European Union: Poll

HAMILTON, April 13 (Bernama-Anadolu) - A new poll found that more than half of Canadians support the country joining the European Union (EU) as tensions with the United States over trade continue, Anadolu Ajansi reported.

The survey, carried out by Nanos Research for The Globe and Mail, found that 57 per cent of respondents backed or somewhat backed the prospect of Canada securing full EU membership.

About one in three opposed the idea, while 12 per cent had no clear opinion.

The findings come as relations between Canada and the US have grown increasingly strained following US President Donald Trump's tariffs on Canadian goods and his decision to halt trade talks after an anti-tariff advertisement aired in the US.

Prime Minister Mark Carney has previously responded to the US position by pledging to diversify Canada's trade partnerships.

He has stopped at formally seeking EU membership, however, saying he envisions a closer partnership with Europe but not full membership in the bloc.

Roland Paris, an international affairs professor at the University of Ottawa, told the Globe and Mail that the numbers reflect a shifting Canadian worldview.

"When the United States is experiencing such political turmoil and its president is threatening Canadian sovereignty, European countries that are longstanding partners look a lot more appealing," he said.

The poll also found that 84 per cent of respondents view deepening economic ties with Europe as the most promising path forward.

The Nanos survey of 1,099 Canadians was conducted between March 31 and April 4.

-- BERNAMA-ANADOLU