Canada, EU lay out vision for closer ties in ‘dangerous and divided’ world

This article is new today!

Source: Global News Politics
Date: 2026-10-30 17:50:16.0
Tags: [National, Trade, Economy, Governance, Defence, Education]

Prime Minister Mark Carney and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen signed a strategic alliance agreement in Montreal to establish Canada as the European Union's first associate member amid rising international trade tensions. The agreement establishes collaborative frameworks for digital money transfers, labour and research mobility including potential participation in the Erasmus+ education program, critical raw minerals development, outer space cooperation, and joint security support including the Ukraine Support Loan. The pact also sets out cooperative efforts regarding artificial intelligence, climate change solutions, and cross-border instant payment systems.

Carney points to EU's strong belief in democracy as political winds shift for 2 largest members

This article is new today!

Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-10-30 08:00:00.0
Tags: [National, Trade, Economy, Governance, Defence]

Prime Minister Mark Carney hosted European Union leaders, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, during the 21st Canada-EU summit in Montreal to advance negotiations on making Canada the bloc's first associate member. The bilateral talks aim to forge a strategic "alliance for the future" to counter protectionist U.S. trade pressures under President Donald Trump and address volatile political shifts in key European nations such as France and Germany. A forthcoming joint statement from the two-day summit outlines mutual commitments to reinforce predictable trade environments, collaborate on critical mineral supply chains, counter cyberattacks, maintain support for Ukraine, and initiate negotiations for deeper Canadian participation in the Erasmus student exchange program.

Canada's new national security strategy will shield economy, modernize military

Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-10-29 15:59:34.0
Tags: [National, Defence, Economy, Trade, Public Safety, Governance]

The federal government released a sweeping national security strategy committing over $163 billion toward military expansion and defence industrial base rebuilding through the middle of the next decade. The framework emphasizes protecting economic sovereignty across sectors such as critical minerals, semiconductors, and artificial intelligence, while managing a clear-eyed relationship with the United States and deferring immediate decisions on establishing a standalone foreign intelligence agency. The strategy also includes plans to review existing national security legislation within a year to modernize intelligence capabilities against emerging geopolitical threats.

Canada's new national security strategy will shield economy, modernize military

Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-10-29 15:59:34.0
Tags: [National, Defence, Economy, Trade, Public Safety, Governance]

The federal government, under Prime Minister Mark Carney, has released a new national security strategy designed to protect the Canadian economy and modernize military capabilities amid global instability. The framework outlines a multibillion-dollar expansion plan that allocates more than $163 billion toward the military by the mid-2030s, alongside pending legislation to create a dedicated Crown corporation for defence procurement. While the strategy emphasizes trade diversification and a clear-eyed approach to relations with the United States, a final decision regarding the establishment of a separate foreign intelligence agency akin to the U.S. CIA or Britain's MI6 is currently being deferred by senior officials. Completely redrawn defence and foreign policies are scheduled to be released in the coming months, accompanied by a comprehensive review of national security legislation within a year.

Canada's new relationship with EU will be 'closer to membership' than ever, senior officials say

Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-10-27 16:46:42.0
Tags: [National, Trade, Economy, Governance, Defence]

Prime Minister Mark Carney is pursuing a historic associate membership with the European Union, which European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen formally announced to establish Canada as the bloc's first associate member. The proposed strategic alliance aims to deepen co-operation in trade, security, and technology amid escalating U.S. tariffs and trade tensions under U.S. President Donald Trump. Formal discussions and negotiations are set to launch at a two-day bilateral summit in Montreal involving Prime Minister Mark Carney and EU officials, with an official framework expected to develop ahead of the subsequent 2027 summit.

N.S. government announces funding to grow boatbuilding industry

Source: Nova Scotia - Halifax & Regional News
Date: 2026-10-26 19:55:08.0
Tags: [Nova Scotia, Economy, Industry, Trade, Defence, Fisheries]

The Nova Scotia government is investing over $350,000 from its Community Economic Development Fund into the Nova Scotia Boatbuilders Association to help local boatbuilders and repair businesses expand into new markets. The funding will be used to promote local companies at trade shows, in trade publications, and through online communications and strategic partnerships. Established in 1998, the Nova Scotia Boatbuilders Association aims to diversify the industry beyond the domestic fishing boat market, helping local firms compete internationally for naval contracts and meet national defence priorities.

Canada needs concrete results from EU summit this week, former envoy says

Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-10-25 17:58:19.0
Tags: [National, Trade, Economy, Defence, Technology, Governance]

Ahead of the Canada-European Union summit in Montreal, former special envoy to the EU Stéphane Dion emphasized the necessity of achieving concrete results across trade, science, defence, security, and artificial intelligence, rather than issuing a routine status communiqué. Prime Minister Mark Carney and European leaders are negotiating a new alliance that includes potential participation in the European Erasmus+ mobility program and resolving the ratification status of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), which currently remains unratified in nine EU member states including France, Italy, and Poland. Additionally, incoming Canadian Ambassador to the European Union Jonathan Wilkinson and bilateral officials are advancing negotiations on a digital trade agreement to govern e-commerce, electronic transmissions, and secure cross-border data flows.

Carney defends doing business with countries that don’t share Canada’s values

Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-10-23 10:43:04.0
Tags: [National, Trade, Defence, Energy, Economy]

Prime Minister Mark Carney concluded a visit to Turkey by signing a new strategic trade and defence partnership with President Recep Erdogan, despite criticisms regarding human rights abuses and the suppression of political opposition in Turkey. The bilateral discussions included potential contracts for Canadian engineering firm AtkinsRealis to supply nuclear technology for two planned power plants aimed at helping Turkey reach its climate goals. Additionally, Prime Minister Carney pushed back against allegations of Canadian interference in upcoming U.S. midterm elections after the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa released an official fact sheet accusing Canadian leaders of meddling.

Carney announces trade and defence partnership with Turkey

Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-10-22 11:44:34.0
Tags: [National, Trade, Defence, Energy, Economy]

Prime Minister Mark Carney and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced a new strategic partnership between Canada and Turkey focused on four pillars: trade and investment, defence and security, energy, and people-to-people ties. Negotiators are scheduled to begin free trade talks in Ankara next month, alongside discussions regarding a defence industry cooperation agreement and potential nuclear energy sector investments involving Canada's Candu nuclear team. The bilateral initiative also includes plans to finalize an air transport agreement to increase passenger flights between the two countries, despite human rights concerns raised by advocacy groups regarding Turkey's crackdown on civil society.

Carney’s Turkish balancing act must include business, defence and human rights

Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-10-21 08:00:00.0
Tags: [National, Trade, Defence, Energy, Industry, Economy]

Prime Minister Mark Carney is undertaking a three-day official visit to Turkey to negotiate a free trade agreement, expand bilateral energy and strategic industry cooperation, and rebuild defence-industrial ties with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan following the easing of a prior Canadian arms embargo. The bilateral relationship currently involves approximately $4.3 billion in trade, with active discussions focusing on potential commercial opportunities for Candu nuclear reactor technology and joint defense initiatives in ammunition production, drones, and counter-drone systems led by Secretary of State for Defence Procurement Stephen Fuhr. Simultaneously, the diplomatic mission navigates foreign policy challenges regarding Turkey's recent domestic crackdowns on civil society and 2SLGBTQ+ organizations, which test the federal government's stated balance of economic pragmatism and human rights values.

Envoy says France admires Carney’s U.S. stance

Source: Global News Politics
Date: 2026-10-11 12:24:35.0
Tags: [National, Trade, Economy, Governance, Defence]

French Ambassador to Canada Hélène Farnaud-Defromont stated that France admires Prime Minister Mark Carney's trade and regulatory stance against the United States administration under President Donald Trump. Prime Minister Carney halted trade talks with Washington in August, citing last-minute demands and a commitment to protecting Canadian language sovereignty and big tech regulation. The bilateral development unfolds as Canada and the European Union prepare for a bilateral summit later this month to discuss a proposed new strategic partnership.

Vietnam's president upgrades Canada to strategic partner during state visit

Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-09-25 00:01:25.0
Tags: [National, Trade, Economy, Defence, Agriculture, Energy]

Vietnamese President Tô Lâm undertook a state visit to Ottawa to upgrade bilateral ties with Canada to a strategic partnership, collaborating with Prime Minister Mark Carney to strengthen middle-power alignment against American and Chinese economic coercion. Global Affairs Canada data shows that two-way merchandise trade between Canada and Vietnam surpassed $20 billion last year, making Vietnam Canada's largest trading partner in Southeast Asia. The renewed partnership encompasses expanded co-operation in energy, agriculture, defence, technology, and prospective direct commercial air travel, while aligning both nations' supply chain diversification strategies under the CPTPP trade framework.

Why Canada's rolling out the red carpet for Vietnamese President Tô Lâm

Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-09-24 08:00:00.0
Tags: [National, Trade, Energy, Economy, Defence]

Prime Minister Mark Carney and Governor General Louise Arbour are hosting Vietnamese President Tô Lâm on a state visit to Canada to deepen bilateral relations in trade, energy, and advanced manufacturing. Two-way trade between Canada and Vietnam reached $20.6 billion in 2025, making Vietnam Canada's largest trading partner in Southeast Asia. Discussions during the state visit include potential Canadian exports of liquefied natural gas, crude oil, and nuclear technology, alongside ongoing efforts to finalize a free trade agreement between Canada and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Canada, France pledge to work together on space infrastructure, economy

Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-09-20 14:40:36.0
Tags: [National, Newfoundland and Labrador, Trade, Infrastructure, Technology, Defence, Economy]

Prime Minister Mark Carney and French President Emmanuel Macron met in Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon to pledge bilateral cooperation on shared space infrastructure, business growth, and economic development, directing their respective space agencies and defence ministries to develop common launch systems and ground reception facilities. The leaders also tasked the regional joint cooperation commission between Atlantic Canada and Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon to expand work in economic growth, energy transition, and climate resilience. Furthermore, the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce are finalizing an agreement to build shared value chains and deepen business ties amid broader Canadian efforts to forge a closer economic and political alliance with the European Union.

Carney to address Liberal caucus after return from Europe

Source: Global News Politics
Date: 2026-09-18 12:25:25.0
Tags: [National, Trade, Economy, Taxation, Defence, Governance]

Prime Minister Mark Carney addressed the Liberal caucus in Ottawa ahead of the fall sitting of the House of Commons, which will feature upcoming legislation to enact a fuel excise tax extension announced on September 2. Following a trip to Strasbourg, France, Carney welcomed a historic proposal from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen for Canada to become the European Union's first associate member. Carney stated he will sign no new deals with the European Union until Canada’s Parliament can vote on them, as part of a broader push to strengthen trade, defence, and people-to-people ties with Europe and reduce reliance on the United States.

Read a transcript of Carney’s speech to the European Parliament

Source: Global News Politics
Date: 2026-09-17 18:21:30.0
Tags: [National, Trade, Economy, Industry, Technology, Defence]

Prime Minister Mark Carney addressed the European Parliament to pitch a deeper strategic and economic partnership between Canada and the European Union, focusing on cooperation in artificial intelligence, critical minerals, and defence. Highlighting existing agreements like CETA and the Strategic Partnership Agreement, Carney responded favorably to an invitation from EU leadership for Canada to become the EU's first associate member. He proposed bolstering collective resilience through seamless digital trade, joint access to frontier research programs such as Horizon and Erasmus Plus, and secure supply chains spanning over 34 critical minerals and clean energy technologies.

Read Mark Carney's full speech to the European Parliament

Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-09-17 18:04:15.0
Tags: [National, Trade, Economy, Defence, Energy, Technology]

Prime Minister Mark Carney delivered an address to the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, welcoming European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's proposal for Canada to become the European Union's first associate member under a new "alliance for the future." Carney proposed deepening bilateral cooperation across strategic sectors including critical minerals—leveraging Canada's deposits of over 34 critical minerals—alongside energy security via liquefied natural gas and hydrogen supply, defense industrial capacity, artificial intelligence computing, and financial services integration. The proposed alliance aims to enhance collective resilience and sovereignty against geopolitical coercion without establishing a closed great-power rival bloc.

How EU leaders are reacting to Canada associate membership proposal

Source: Global News Politics
Date: 2026-09-17 15:10:44.0
Tags: [National, Trade, Economy, Defence, Energy]

Prime Minister Mark Carney responded to a proposal by European Council President Ursula von der Leyen inviting Canada to become the European Union's first-ever associate member. European leaders and Members of the European Parliament discussed deepening bilateral integration covering critical minerals, energy, defence equipment, and Swiss-style economic integration, while noting that trade under the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) has increased by 75 per cent in less than a decade. Ten EU member states—Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, France, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Poland, and Slovenia—have yet to fully ratify CETA in their individual legislatures.

Carney nods to Trump, says Canada, Europe not 'fair-weather allies' in speech to European Parliament

Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-09-17 09:52:29.0
Tags: [National, Trade, Defence, Economy, Governance]

Prime Minister Mark Carney addressed the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, calling for a deeper strategic partnership and an 'alliance of the future' between Canada and the European Union to counter great powers and hedge against U.S. President Donald Trump's trade leverage. Canada has recently signed multiple partnership agreements with the EU and joined the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) initiative providing €150 billion in defense loans. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed opening the door for Canada to become the first associate member of the EU, a concept Prime Minister Carney and incoming EU Ambassador Jonathan Wilkinson have downlinked in favor of practical cooperation in critical minerals, artificial intelligence, defence, energy, and finance.

PM Carney: ‘Europe and Canada are even stronger together’

Source: Global News Politics
Date: 2026-09-17 09:48:46.0
Tags: [National, Trade, Economy, Defence, Technology, Governance]

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen formally invited Prime Minister Mark Carney to open discussions for Canada to become the European Union's first "associate member" following a series of bilateral talks that accelerated in June 2025. Addressing the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, Prime Minister Carney emphasized that the partnership aims to bolster economic and security resilience in sectors like artificial intelligence, critical minerals, and defence rather than forming a rival geopolitical bloc. Concurrently, U.S. President Donald Trump criticized the potential designation as a "hostile act" and signed a memorandum directing federal agencies to remove Canadian products from U.S. government procurement while threatening heavy tariffs on Europe.