For decades, Canada’s political, economic, and security future has been closely tied to its southern neighbour, the United States. While that relationship remains vital, the shifting tides of global politics are prompting Ottawa to think beyond its traditional alliances.
One bold vision is the creation of the North Atlantic-Pacific Union (NAPU) — a coalition of liberal democracies and open economies committed to democracy, innovation, and sustainable growth. By uniting middle powers across the Atlantic, Pacific, Arctic, and even parts of the Global South, Canada could reduce its overreliance on the U.S. while strengthening its global influence.
🌍 What is NAPU?
The North Atlantic-Pacific Union is a proposed alliance that excludes the United States and European Union member states, focusing instead on:
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Shared democratic values
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Market-oriented economies
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Rule of law
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Climate leadership
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Digital and technological sovereignty
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Collective security cooperation
NAPU brings together some of the world’s most innovative economies and resilient democracies — nations that, while not global superpowers, have a strong track record of governance and economic performance.
🗺️ Proposed Member Countries
🇨🇦 North America
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Canada (Founding core member)
🌎 Latin America & the Caribbean
Full Members:
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Chile
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Costa Rica
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Uruguay
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Mexico
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Brazil
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Colombia
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Panama
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Dominican Republic
Conditional Members:
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Argentina
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Peru
🌍 Non-EU Europe
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United Kingdom
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Norway
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Switzerland
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Iceland
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Sweden
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Denmark
🌏 Asia-Pacific
Full Members:
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Japan
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South Korea
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Australia
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New Zealand
Associate / Observer Members:
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Singapore (Associate)
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Taiwan (Observer)
🌍 Africa
Full Member:
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Mauritius
Conditional Members:
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South Africa
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Botswana
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Rwanda
💡 Why These Countries?
The selection focuses on nations that:
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Maintain democratic governance
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Have stable or growing economies
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Engage actively in multilateral trade
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Share an interest in climate cooperation and digital governance
Conditional members are included with the understanding that they must strengthen democratic institutions and governance to fully integrate.
🎯 Why Canada Should Lead
By leading NAPU, Canada would:
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Diversify trade and supply chains away from overdependence on the U.S.
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Collaborate on tech and climate standards with like-minded nations
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Strengthen its middle-power diplomacy in a multipolar world
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Secure Arctic and Pacific security interests through shared defense frameworks
This is not about cutting ties with the United States — it’s about building a balanced and resilient future where Canada has multiple strong partners across continents.
📌 The Next Steps
If this vision becomes reality, the roadmap could include:
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A feasibility task force to assess member readiness.
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Strategic dialogues with core partners like Japan, UK, Sweden, Australia, and Chile.
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Hosting a NAPU Founders’ Summit in Ottawa to formally launch the bloc.
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Creating shared agreements on trade, climate, and digital governance.
✍️ Final Thoughts
The North Atlantic-Pacific Union offers Canada a chance to reshape its foreign policy for the 21st century — moving from a single-anchor alliance to a network of global partnerships. In doing so, Canada could help define the rules of trade, technology, and climate action for decades to come, while safeguarding democracy in a turbulent world.
