It’s been an exciting month for Sudha Arjun Sharma. She just officially opened a storefront in Dartmouth, N.S., for her business Khush Mizaj Official. She launched her clothing line five years ago. “The feedback is amazing because everybody was like there’s nothing like this in Nova Scotia,” she said. Sharma already takes orders from across Canada and into the United States, but now she has her sights set overseas. She’s working to build European trade partnerships. “We are set to go to Paris and Milan during the same time as Paris and Milan Fashion Week,” she said. “The reason we picked Europe is because we wanted to go there personally and understand and meet the retailers, the manufacturers.” Sharma already had meetings set up prior to the news of Canada potentially becoming the first-ever associate member of the European Union. “The timing couldn’t have been more perfect, and we’ll be keeping a close eye because it could really help small businesses as ourselves to work with this trade mission. It will help us with the logistics, it will help us tap into the market more,” said Sharma. The details between the possible enhanced partnership between Canada and the EU are still unclear, but it could open some new doors. “Development partnerships, ports, the high Arctic, educational institutions,” said Cape Breton University political science professor Tom Urbaniak. Prime Minister Mark Carney has shown strong interest in the deal. “This is significant. It’s at least symbolically significant,” said Urbaniak. The offer from the EU comes at a time when Canada’s relationship with the United States is strained from the ongoing trade war, with U.S. President Donald Trump calling it a “hostile act.” “I’m not surprised to see Trump react so forcefully and aggressively and those sorts of reactions will continue,” Urbaniak said. While the offer has been met with some excitement over the potential for travel, work and study abroad, there is a lot to consider before it goes further. “What are we locking in and for how long are we locking it in? That’s important to examine with any relationship, especially such a potentially significant one,” said Urbaniak. Carney has said Canadia is not in a position nor seeking to become a full member of the EU. The associate membership will still need to be put up for debate and a final vote in Parliament. For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
