Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that his country is preparing a new partnership model to strengthen its economic, political and strategic ties with the European Union. Carney described the arrangement, based on shared values and priorities as well as complementary economic strengths with the 27-member bloc, as a “unique alliance.”
Speaking on Sunday evening at the Toronto International Film Festival in Toronto, Carney said Canada did not plan to join the European Union. “We do not want to become a member of the European Union,” Carney said, adding that Canada was instead working on an arrangement that would significantly strengthen its relations with Europe.
The “associate member” option is under consideration
The Canadian government is considering several options to deepen its relations with Europe. “Associate member” status is among them, but the government says the term does not represent an agreed proposal.
A senior Canadian government official said talks were being held to strengthen relations with Europe. The official said Canada was not considering giving up its independence in exchange for greater access to European markets, adding that the work focused on the economic and strategic gains it could offer Canadians.
Poilievre criticizes the plan
Carney’s initiative was criticized by Pierre Poilievre, the leader of Canada’s Conservative Party. Poilievre accused the prime minister of being out of touch with the country’s realities and said Canada would be neither the 51st U.S. state nor the European Union’s 28th member.
Carney to speak at the European Parliament
Carney is expected to explain his vision for Canada’s relations with Europe in greater detail during a speech at the European Parliament this week.
The proposed model is seen as part of Canada’s effort to diversify its international economic partnerships and strengthen its ties with its allies. Through the plan, the government aims to strengthen Canada’s position between the two major economic blocs while preserving its political independence.
