Sep 16, 2026 6:22 PM - Connect Newsroom - Ramandeep Kaur with files from The Canadian Press

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has called on Prime Minister Mark Carney to clarify discussions surrounding Canada’s potential associate membership, special alliance or any other proposed arrangement with the European Union.
Poilievre said the Conservative Party’s position is clear: it fully supports Canada’s decades-old free trade relationship and NATO alliance with Europe, but strongly opposes imposing any European taxes, laws or open-border immigration policies on Canadians.
He said Canada is an independent, sovereign country and that these principles cannot be compromised.
Meanwhile, Canada’s new ambassador to the EU and former cabinet minister Jonathan Wilkinson defended the ongoing talks, describing them as an important and strong alliance for the future. He said the strategic partnership aims to unite and strengthen countries that share a firm commitment to human rights, democracy and democratic institutions in addressing global challenges together.



