Stéphane Dion calls on Canada to become member of the ‘European Political Community’

Stephane Dion poses in Paris on October 27, 2016. Photo by PATRICK KOVARIK /AFP/Getty Images

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OTTAWA — Former Liberal leader and minister Stéphane Dion is not calling on Canada to become a member of the European Union (EU) — but rather a “full and integral member” of the European Political Community (EPC) to reinforce ties with the continent.

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Dion, who until recently served as Canada’s ambassador to France and Germany and special envoy to the EU, made the recommendation in front of the Standing Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade in Ottawa on Wednesday.

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The EPC was created in 2022 at the proposal of the French President Emmanuel Macron. It brings together the leaders of 47 European countries at biannual summits to discuss cooperation on shared priorities, such as security, stability, sustainability and prosperity.

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Prime Minister Mark Carney participated in the EPC Summit in Yerevan, Armenia, this past May, which was the first time a non-European leader joined this group.

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“This is further evidence of the great interest Europeans have in Canada,” Dion, who is a dual citizen of Canada and France, told the Senate committee members. “So, let’s go further. Canada should become a full and integral member of the European Political Community.”

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“It would consolidate our status as the most European of non-European countries.”

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The retired diplomat said joining the EPC would be “entirely beneficial for both sides” as it would strengthen Canada’s ties with Europe and allow to consult with leaders of countries the prime minister would otherwise “never have time to visit individually.”

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Dion’s proposal raised some eyebrows among some senators in the room.

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“I know that, based on your professional life, you’re well aware that when you offer a sales pitch on an idea that you really deeply believe in, you want to make sure that it doesn’t become an object of mockery for your critics,” said Charles Adler, senator from Manitoba.

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“If you want to mock my ideas, I don’t care. I know they are good,” said Dion.

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“People will naturally interpret (your prior comment) as being part of the EU,” replied Adler.

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“Yes, but I’m facing senators who know (better),” shot back Dion.

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The ambassador of the European Union to Canada, Geneviève Tuts, who was sitting next to Dion in the room, was asked by Newfoundland and Labrador senator Mohamed-Iqbal Ravalia to share her perspective on whether Canada could realistically join the EU.

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Tuts said it is not the first time that she has been asked that question and the answer is two-fold. First, she said, the potential member has to be situated on the European continent. Second, a country needs to respect the values promoted by the EU.

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“I have absolutely no doubt about the second condition. We share the same values,” she said. “Being qualified for being a European country, I’m not sure this will be possible.”