So Poilievre says Canadians will have to pay taxes to “a government in Europe,” follow laws made by “European bureaucrats,” and accept European immigration policies if Canada becomes an EU associate member. Okay, Pierre. Which ones? Because “associate member” isn’t even an established EU status yet. The details are still to be negotiated. Will Canadians elect MEPs? No proposal for that. Will Canada get seats in the European Parliament? No proposal for that. Will Canadians pay European income tax? No proposal for that. Will Canada adopt EU free movement and immigration rules? Not established. Will European bureaucrats suddenly legislate Canadian law? Not how an international agreement works. And Norway isn't an EU member. Ukraine isn't an EU member. Australia isn't an EU member. So before we scare waitresses and welders about surrendering their sovereignty, perhaps explain the actual terms of the agreement. Because right now, Poilievre’s presenting hypothetical terms of an agreement that hasn't been negotiated as though they're established facts. Poilievre’s argument rests heavily on fear of what might happen, before the terms of Canada’s proposed EU associate membership have even been negotiated. History should make us cautious about that kind of certainty. Copernicus waited until the year of his death to publish his heliocentric work. Galileo was forced to recant his support for heliocentrism and spent his final years under house arrest. The authorities were certain they were defending the established order. They were wrong. The Earth was moving all along. And it was round. All along. And yes, the world was round all along, too. So perhaps before telling Canadians that European bureaucrats are coming for their taxes, laws and immigration system, we should first establish what the proposed relationship actually contains. Facts first. Fear second. That order matters. 🇨🇦🇪🇺 #cdnpoli