LONDON — Prime Minister Mark Carney pushed for closer trade and security ties with Europe Monday on a one-day trip to Paris and London just days after he took office.
Carney began the day in France where he had a private meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, before flying to London where he was to meet with King Charles and Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Making opening remarks in Paris before meeting with Macron, Carney stressed both countries' shared values of sovereignty, solidarity and sustainability, and said Canada is the most "European" country outside of Europe.
"Those are values that we hold dear, and unite us," he said, noting that the French language defines the identity and culture in each country.
He said France and Canada have been reliable partners for centuries, and are now committed to "unwavering support" for Ukraine.
Carney also said Canada and France know that economic co-operation, not confrontation, will help build strong economies.
Macron, who invited Carney to visit before Carney was even sworn in, called Canada a "unique friend" with a shared vision of freedom. He also underscored a deep strategic partnership for trade, defence, protecting the environment and creating new technologies.
"We believe that fair trade that respects international rules is a good thing for everyone's prosperity and it is far more effective than tariffs, that simply create inflation and destroy the integration of our economies and our supply chain," he said.
The two world leader were expected to discuss issues related to security in Europe and Canada and trade diversification during a working lunch.
Macron posted on X following that meeting that he was happy to welcome Carney, noting the choice of France for his first overseas trip.
"It is a great honour and it highlights the importance of the relationship between Canada and France," he wrote.
The trip comes against the backdrop of U.S. President Donald Trump’s repeated threats to make Canada the 51st state and amid the White House’s aggressive tariff agenda.
Carney insisted on Friday that he doesn’t need to seek assurances from his allies that Canada will remain an independent country.
But diversifying trade away from the U.S. is becoming a more critical manoeuvre, and Carney's decision to make France and England his first stops, instead of Washington, is not unintentional.
France has notably not yet ratified CETA, Canada’s free trade deal with the European Union, and Canada’s talks with the U.K. about an independent free trade deal remain on ice.
Carney spoke with EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in a Sunday call that touched on Canada-E.U. trade and defence.
Carney also spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy late Sunday and invited him to the G7 summit this summer, which Canada is hosting.
The prime minister, however, has not yet spoken to Trump since succeeding Justin Trudeau as prime minister several days ago. A call with the U.S. president is unlikely until Carney returns to Ottawa.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 17, 2025.
Kyle Duggan, The Canadian Press
