Canada and the U.S. are once again locked in high-stakes negotiations as the August 1st deadline looms. Without a deal, 35 percent tariffs from the U.S. are on the table, and President Trump seems pessimistic about whether a deal can be reached. It’s a sharp contrast to Prime Minister Carney’s hopeful campaign line: “We can give ourselves so much more than the U.S. can ever take away.”
While stabilizing the U.S. relationship is critical, we shouldn’t rush back to business as usual. Many have rightly pointed out that aligning with global, particularly European, standards can open up new markets, reduce our dependence on the U.S., and better protect consumer rights, workers, and innovation here at home.
This isn’t a foreign concept. Canada has taken a major step toward digital accessibility with Accessibility Standards Canada officially adopting the European standard EN 301 549:2021, now a National Standard of Canada. Used by over 30 countries, this comprehensive standard covers software, websites, mobile apps, and biometrics, and integrates globally recognized guidelines. Its adoption is expected to drive broader implementation across federally regulated sectors and potentially at provincial and territorial levels.
In contrast to progress in digital accessibility, Canada’s physical accessibility remains stuck in the past. Its elevator industry remains constrained by U.S.-centric standards, resulting in higher costs, limited competition, and reduced accessibility. Elevators here cost up to $200,000, or three times more than in Europe, discouraging their inclusion in smaller buildings and leading to fewer elevators in larger ones. This additional cost also creates an incentive for taller condo buildings, disincentivizing needed “missing middle” housing.
Unlike much of the world, which has adopted harmonized European-derived standards, North America’s isolated approach deters global manufacturers and restricts access to affordable, non-proprietary parts, causing delays in maintenance and repairs. Oversized cabin requirements further limit their use in mid-rise developments. Embracing global standards would open the market, lower costs, and enhance accessibility across the country. As the demand for elevators will increase as a result of needed housing supply, Canada would benefit greatly from an industrial housing policy that includes design standard harmonization on elevators.
Similarly, our transit construction woes could at least be partially addressed by taking a page out of the European design handbook. The European Commission harmonized its rail standards to make it easier and more efficient for trains to travel across EU borders without the need to stop at borders to change trains or crews. These harmonized rules, called Technical Specifications for Interoperability (TSIs), replace dozens of national regulations, cutting costs and simplifying rail operations.
As it stands, Canadian rail standards are governed by federal and provincial regulation. Embracing design harmonization can help to address massive transit costs in this country, opening the possibility of European transit procurement. It can also lead to increased electrification and modernization of rail technology.
While it’s not a panacea, Europe routinely spends significantly less per kilometre on major transit projects. Research from the Transit Costs Project shows that countries with the highest costs. like Canada, the U.S., and the UK, often rely on custom designs, fragmented planning, and complex regulations. In contrast, lower-cost countries such as Spain achieve savings through standardized designs, simpler approval processes, and clearer contracts. If Canada wants to build more efficiently, adopting a more uniform, streamlined approach is essential.
Moving away from U.S.-focused standards and aligning more closely with Europe could bring real benefits to Canadians not just in products, but in everyday life. In the EU, all products come with a two-year warranty and a “right to repair,” meaning companies must provide affordable spare parts as opposed to promoting endless consumption fueled by planned obsolescence. Additionally, workers get at least four weeks of paid vacation and strong parental leave protections. The EU also leads on social issues, with laws supporting gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and diversity in workplaces. Adopting similar standards could strengthen consumer rights, improve work-life balance, and reinforce Canada’s values at home and abroad.
Much of Brampton’s industry services the American market. Of course this makes perfect sense geographically, linguistically, and otherwise. But as we have seen, dependence on one partner makes us vulnerable to despotic whims. While full EU membership might be a long and complex road due to geographical, economic, and political obstacles, there are multiple alternatives for closer ties that involve adopting EU rules and standards.
Scenarios like those of Norway or Switzerland offer varying degrees of access to the EU’s single market and integration of its regulations without full membership. Even a beefed-up Strategic Partnership Agreement and an expanded CETA that includes embracing European standards could institutionalize a desire to do more together on issues like digital governance, climate change, and the recently discarded digital services tax.
By actively seeking to incorporate global, especially European, best practices and standards, Canada can proactively identify, remove, and prevent barriers across various sectors. This strategic shift would not only improve the quality of life for Canadians and foster a more competitive market but also reinforce Canada’s position as a leader in creating inclusive societies. It’s time for Canada to shake off its narrow continental orientation and embrace a truly global outlook.
