Prime Minister Mark Carney is scheduled to deliver a speech at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France next month, as confirmed by his office on Wednesday. During his visit, Carney will engage with European Parliament members to enhance Canada’s relationship with the European Union for the mutual benefit of both nations. Additionally, he will participate in the State of the European Union address, a significant annual event delivered by the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen.
This visit comes at a pivotal time as Canada seeks to strengthen ties with Europe amidst a trade dispute with the United States. Following the breakdown of Ottawa-Washington trade negotiations over the weekend, relations between the two countries have faced increased strain. Over the past year, Canada has solidified various partnership agreements with the EU and notably became the first non-European country to join Security Action for Europe, a program offering €150 billion in defense-related loans.
A spokesperson for the European Commission emphasized that Carney’s upcoming visit underscores the close bond between Canada and the EU, signaling a shared commitment to advancing their partnership. The spokesperson highlighted the importance of bolstering global relationships during challenging times.
Criticism of Carney’s overseas engagement arose from Conservative deputy leader Melissa Lantsman, who questioned the Prime Minister’s decision to address the EU Parliament without recalling the Canadian Parliament first. Lantsman expressed her concerns via a tweet, suggesting a need for Carney to prioritize domestic parliamentary proceedings before engaging with foreign legislatures.