What to know
- Prime Minister Mark Carney clarified reporting by the Wall Street Journal that Canada is looking to become an “associate member” of the European Union.
- At a Toronto International Film Festival event, Carney told a reporter that he’s rather looking for a “unique alliance” with the EU.
- Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre denounced Carney’s burgeoning relationship with the EU, writing on X that, “we will NEVER be the 28th EU state.”
Canada is not looking to become an “associate member” of the European Union, confirms Prime Minister Mark Carney.
Carney debunked rumours that Canada is looking for quasi-EU membership while responding to a reporter’s question at the Toronto International Film Festival’s Tribute Awards on Sunday.
“Look, we’re not looking to become a member of the European Union. We are looking and will begin discussions for [a] unique alliance with the European Union between Canada and the European Union,” he clarified.
“We share the same values, we have the same priorities, and we have very complimentary strengths. We’re stronger together and this is at a time when the world’s more dangerous and divided and friends need to stick together at these times.”
On Sunday, the Wall Street Journal published an article that stated “Carney has instructed his special envoy to Europe to scope out the most ambitious possibilities short of full membership in the EU or its common market, according to people familiar with the matter.”
The news outlet claimed that the EU is open to the idea of granting Canada an “associate membership” that could possibly let Canadians work and live visa-free in EU member countries.
The European Council currently has rules that member countries must be physically located in Europe and meet strict standards set by the Copenhagen Criteria.
Federal Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre decried Carney’s burgeoning friendship with the EU, writing in a lengthy X post that “Mark Carney could not be more out of touch.”
“This is not about diversifying trade: we have had tariff-free trade with Europe for over a decade. They would buy more of our goods today if the Liberal government would get out of the way and permit mines, pipelines, LNG plants to produce and ship them,” the opposition leader wrote.
“We will NEVER be the 51st U.S. state. And we will NEVER be the 28th EU state.”
