Canada joining BRICS discussions have actually intensified as Prime Minister Mark Carney explores alternatives to deteriorating US trade relations. With Trump’s 35% tariffs escalating for Canada and damaging Canada-US relations, Ottawa is considering membership in the expanding bloc right now. This reflects growing questions about which countries want to join BRICS as global economic power shifts away from Western dominance.
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Canada Should Join BRICS Amid US Tariffs And Changing Global Relations
Trump’s Escalating Trade War Pushes Canada Toward BRICS
The escalation of Canada-US tariffs has been pushing Canadian leadership toward BRICS alternatives. Trump’s decision to raise tariffs to 35% on Canadian imports has actually been met with resistance from Prime Minister Carney’s administration. This makes Canada joining BRICS discussions more urgent right now.
Prime Minister Mark Carney told reporters at a lumber mill in West Kelowna, British Columbia:
“We cannot count or fully rely on what has been our most valued trading relationship for our prosperity. That’s why we’re increasingly focused on building our strength at home and finding new opportunities for Canadian companies and workers abroad.”
General Motors cut shifts at its Oshawa plant citing “the evolving trade environment,” while Algoma Steel began layoffs that were attributed to the tariff regime. These impacts are strengthening arguments that Canada should join BRICS for economic stability.
BRICS Expansion Creates Opening for Canada
Former Green candidate Vince Fiorito advocates that Canada should join BRICS, arguing alignment with Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa could offer independence from American economic pressure. BRICS now encompasses ten members representing 46% of world population and 35.6% of global GDP.
Indonesia’s recent BRICS admission actually demonstrates BRICS’ willingness to accept diverse nations seeking Western alternatives. This precedent supports arguments for Canada joining BRICS as a viable strategic option.
The organization represents a “non-Western” rather than “anti-Western” entity, according to Shanghai Institutes for International Studies analysis. This positioning makes Canada joining BRICS more palatable for democratic nations concerned about authoritarian members.
Economic Necessity Drives Strategic Realignment
Former CIBC economist Jeff Rubin argues economic necessity will drive Canada’s decision-making regarding which countries want to join BRICS right now.
In an interview with The Tyee, Rubin stated:
“Economic necessity will prevail. I’m not suggesting that Russia or China, by any means, holds the higher moral ground, although I would argue no one today holds the higher moral ground. But I am pointing out that the world is now polarized in trading blocs that are formed around geopolitical alliances.”
Recent polling actually shows 91% of Canadians want decreased US reliance, creating political space for Canada joining BRICS initiatives. Mexico’s parallel BRICS interest demonstrates broader North American frustration with Trump’s trade policies affecting Canada-US relations.
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Russia successfully pivoted to BRICS markets after Western sanctions were imposed, with energy exports reaching record highs through Chinese and Indian partnerships. This precedent suggests Canada should join BRICS to access alternative markets when traditional partnerships fail.
As Canada US tariffs continue escalating and which countries want to join BRICS expands, Canada’s potential membership represents a seismic shift in global alignment away from American economic dominance.
