Prime Minister Mark Carney will attend European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s State of the Union address Wednesday as a guest of honour, before addressing the European Parliament on Thursday.
The Associated Press reports that Canada is seeking an arrangement with the EU that would allow Canadians to live and work in Europe without visas as part of a strategic partnership.
An unidentified government official is reported to have said that Canada is not seeking to replicate the arrangements Norway or Switzerland have with the EU. and has not propose “associate membership,” a term used in recent media reports. Canada instead wants a partnership tailored to its priorities, with investment at its core.
The goal is greater Canadian sovereignty, not less. “We’re not looking at giving up our rights to Brussels or anything like that… It’s quite the opposite.”
AP: Prime Minister Carney heads to Europe for high-stakes speech and deeper EU ties