What We’re Building
The European Movement in Canada
Canada already knows how to build bridges.
Now it’s time to build one more — across the Atlantic.
The European Movement in Canada is not about reviving old alliances. It’s about launching new ones — human, civic, cultural, and scientific. It’s about bringing Europe closer to Canadians in a way that’s lived, not just stated.
We’re not trying to replicate the past. We’re building the future — and this time, we’re not waiting to be invited in.
The Premise Is Simple: Canada Belongs in the European Civic Project
Not because of history. Because of alignment.
- Our public institutions are strong.
- Our cultural values are plural, open, and rights-based.
- Our universities already co-lead global research with EU partners.
- Our cities are ready for deeper civic and cultural exchange.
But most importantly: our people are looking for something new to believe in — and something real to build.
Why Now?
Because the world is shifting.
The Canada–U.S. relationship will always matter, but it’s not where the future is being written. Canadians know this. We feel it. And we’re ready to look outward — to new partners, deeper trust, and systems that reflect who we are and who we want to become.
Europe is the second-largest economic partner we have. But it’s also something more: a civic cousin. A democratic sibling. A community of nations that shares our sense of what public life can be.
Now is the moment to turn that shared sense into shared structure.
What We’re Building Together
The European Movement in Canada is a national initiative to make Canada a full civic partner in Europe’s future — without waiting for treaties or politics to catch up.
Here’s how we’ll do it:
1. A Public Interface: EMI Canada
This will be the visible front door for everything we do.
- You’ll be able to see every project we run.
- Track every initiative we co-lead.
- Sign up for opportunities, residencies, and exchanges.
- Watch the whole system evolve in real time.
This isn’t a newsletter. It’s a working ledger of real civic motion.
2. Canada-Led European Science Projects
Under Horizon Europe, Canada already has the right to co-lead research with European teams. We’re going to lean into that.
We’ll focus on:
- Arctic climate systems
- Ethical AI
- Migrant health
- Clean logistics
Our researchers will host projects right here in Canada — with European partners alongside.
It’s science with a passport.
3. Youth Exchange That Feels Like the Future
Imagine a system where:
- Young Canadians spend a season in Lisbon, Marseille, or Warsaw.
- Young Europeans spend time in Montréal, Halifax, or Vancouver.
- They co-create, co-build, and come back changed.
No red tape. No visa limbo. Just civic residency programs managed through NGOs, cities, and universities — logged and open to all.
We’re calling it Citizens of Tomorrow. Because that’s what it creates.
4. A Shared Civic Story: Northern Echoes
We’re launching a dual anthology between Canadian and European artists, writers, migrants, and scientists.
This won’t be marketing copy. These will be real stories, letters, essays, photos — captured across paired cities, co-edited by peers, and published in print and online.
It’s how we remember what we’re building — and how we share it with the world.
5. A Network of Civic Partners Across Borders
We’re connecting NGOs, city networks, youth organizations, climate groups, artists, and educators in both regions.
Each pairing will:
- Share tools.
- Co-run campaigns.
- Tackle the same challenges from different contexts.
Climate. Democracy. Migration. Public space. Youth voice.
These aren’t “issues.” They’re civic infrastructure — and we’ll be building it side by side.
How It Will Grow
This isn’t a top-down initiative. It’s a public movement — shaped by the people who step up to lead.
We’ll grow through:
- Visible projects
- Measurable motion
- Public trust
- Real stories
- Civic success
And yes, we’ll attract funding — from within Canada, from EU research programmes, and from civic allies who believe in this vision.
We aren't waiting.
We’re already building.
What We Need Now
We need Canadians who believe in this kind of work:
- Teachers who want to host exchanges.
- Artists who want to co-create.
- Scientists who want to lead.
- Civic leaders ready to try something new.
- And citizens — young and old — who are curious, open, and ready to connect.
You don’t need to speak six languages or quote EU policy.
You just need to believe that Canada is ready for deeper connection — and willing to help build it.
What We Believe
We believe Canada doesn’t need to wait to be invited.
We believe Europe needs partners, not passengers.
We believe people connect faster than policies.
And we believe that this is the moment to move — together.
If that resonates, you’re already part of the movement.
Let’s get to work.
The structure is already taking shape.
And we’d love you to help hold it.
—
Ben Beveridge
Proconsul
ben@europeanmovement.ca
European Movement International Canada
This is what I’m working on. Tell me what you think, I enjoy the conversation! Subscribe and follow the work in real time.
Thanks!
B
Europe doesn’t need another member.
It needs a northern pillar.
Canada isn’t joining the EU today.
But we’re building together — culturally, scientifically, civically.
PS -