Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to welcome European Commissioner Ursula von der Leyen to Montreal Thursday after months of pursuing closer ties with the EU.
While membership in the EU is off the table, officials on both sides say they’re looking at ways to forge closer ties in the business, tech, clean energy and critical minerals fields.
Von der Leyen described the proposed partnership as “associate membership” in the 27 nation bloc, but some European leaders have rejected that term.
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European officials repeatedly used the phrase “alliance for the future” to describe the relationship in a press briefing Tuesday — phrasing previously endorsed by Carney.
There’s drama on the Canadian side too, as Quebec Premier Paul St-Pierre Plamondon has pressured the federal government to allow him to deliver a speech at the event.
Today’s agenda includes a welcome dinner with elected and business leaders before Canadian and European leaders get down to talks on Friday.
Rich. You are an absolute moron if you believe anything Carney says. The guy is a fraud. You can spew out how he has degrees but so do most people. Carney is a traitor to Canada and should be removed by force ASAP.
Go back to Europe. We lose our sovereignty and will be killed by more tariffs. Furthermore dont need more Muslims in our country.
As a Canadian, I don’t want any part of the EU, Its a failing alliance.
So welcome that the Premier of Quebec is ignoring them and considering putting a grand spike in Carney’s wasted monorail dream. This country is falling apart while our PM involves us in an EU engulfed in self inflicted red-green revolution. Run away from the EU. You can’t run fast enough!
why are some EU nations rejecting it? BECAUSE THEY HAVE F/ G BRAINS, UNLIKE CANADA
why are some EU nations rejecting it? BECAUSE THEY BRAINS, UNLIKE CANADA
Rich, also known as turdeau and carnholes personal toilet
@ Rich have you not been watching the news later there are riots going on over there and spreading across the EU they are not a wealthy powerhouse member countries are struggling with their individual economy and debt.
Rich, also known as dumdum by everyone else
Peww de Eu, esti caulis tabernac sacre de blue mange le merde ribbit ribbit
Carney just won’t accept that Canada isn’t wanted. It’s like he is begging for deals because he knows he has failed Canadians because he didn’t get a deal with Trump. Even the deal that Canada got long ago still hasn’t been ratified that shows the EU isn’t interested they look after themselves first and if we get anything it will be scraps. The EU trade deals will never replace the trade we had with the US. Carney is all sizzle and no steak.
To all of you who don’t like the EU, think its falling apart, etc. grow up. Its a huge, wealthy market that will be a good trade partner for Canada.
To the people who want a referendum on the EU, its not necessary. Carney is exercising thevathotirty given to him by Parliament following the election
If you don’t understand that study some civics.
As afr Anonymous who would give anything to get a deal with Trump that he’d tear up in six months. Why di Conservatives want Canada to be a vassal to the US. I figure its a combination of stupidity and cowardice, but maybe you have a different explanation.
Thoughts of Conservative. Nomenclature refers to names rather than consequence. In this context it means that it doesn’t matter if Canada is called an Associate Member. What matters is the nature of the relationship we get. So this isn’t a loss for Carney. It’s probably a win that’ll be good for all of us.
We most certainly do NOT Welcome the EU.
I have no idea what nomenclature means, so I’m going to insist the dropping of the “associate member” label is a bigly L for Carney. Maybe if I say it enough times, it’ll become true.
I’d just like to remind you idiots that if we’d voted Poilievre, we wouldn’t have to deal with all these big words now.
@Ben “As a result, international markets now account for 32.8% of our exports” Hey Ben, wake up that is an accumulated percentage and is up from 28%. That means all of Carney’s travelling and all of the deals he has made amount to a mere 4% increase.
The USA is STILL our biggest trading partner by far and without that market Canada will die economically. Carney has spent hundreds of millions of our tax dollars to gain just 4% trade with numerous countries. He is a loser.
Seriously who asked for this, why are we seemingly being forced into this. Shouldn’t this be a referendum?
Germany, France, Italy and Greece among other EU members gave Canada a resounding NO to any “Associate membership”. One in the eye for Carney and his “New World Order”.
How is it that we need a referendum to leave the country but its cool for Carney to mix us up with the EU?
Oh Benny you crack me up.
How much do you get paid per post?
Germany,France,Poland & Italy all vetoed Canada becoming an associate member of the EU. So why did we invite them here to wine & Dine them ?
More wasted tax payer money.
I don’t know any details of the EU /Canada deal but I have full faith and admiration of Mark Carney. I don’t question anything and didn’t with Trudeau either.
I have access to the secret deal agreed to by Carney. Carney will be made President of Canada for an indefinite term and the EU AI robot army built by the Chinese will protect him.
The EU rejected the associate membership deal until we pay 40 billion per year to a special fund to build drones for Ukraine.
As a result of this secret deal, EU is imposing a carbon tax on us which will increase our food inflation by 15%. There is also a 50 billion membership fee to become an associate member. Petrol vehicles will be banned at the end of this year. All new vehicles must be Chinese and electric!
Who cares about the name when it’s the substance that matters.
Name it “Canadian friendship Member” if they want.
Canada welcomes EU leaders to Montreal o lu to get the “ associate membership” for Canada firmly rejected by the EU
Fixed the headline
Rich It is obvious you know nothing about the EU except for what the Liberals have told you.
@Ben and Rich Canada and the EU already have a trade agreement. The EU is already showing Canada who’s boss by telling Carney our Carbon Tax isn’t high enough. Thus they will impose a Carbon Tariff on Canadian imports. So what’s the point of dealing with the EU? Diversifying trade? As stated above we already have a trade agreement. How long until they turn on Canada? It is common knowledge you two don’t have but closer ties with the EU comes with a “Clubhouse” fee.
Carney lost 2 million jobs over the past year and raised the GST by two points. My CPP has been cut in half by the Liberals. I’m homeless now because Stelco laid me off.
Sounds like another $10B tax dollars going flush.
Carney is doing such a great job. Canada lost 1000.000 jobs in August/ September, and has had stagnant growth for many years now.
Ben
October 29, 2026 at 10:12 am
According to Statistics Canada, in 2025, our exports to the US declined by 3.7%, while exports to other countries increased by 11.1%. As a result, international markets now account for 32.8% of our exports. Foreign direct investment (FDI) into Canada also exceeded Canadian investments abroad.
So, Conservatives, you can keep arguing that the EU is “across the ocean,” but geography doesn’t change economic reality. Expanding trade with the EU offers an opportunity to diversify our markets, strengthen our economy, and increase Canadian exports even further. Go Carney!
Know what azzholes? It takes more than markets and profit to build a successful country. A country where ALL are a part of the whole! Not just a group of elite c*nts and and their bootlicking acolytes.
Take your insufferable bootlicking, narcy arses and toss them over a cliff!
According to Statistics Canada, in 2025, our exports to the US declined by 3.7%, while exports to other countries increased by 11.1%. As a result, international markets now account for 32.8% of our exports. Foreign direct investment (FDI) into Canada also exceeded Canadian investments abroad.
So, Conservatives, you can keep arguing that the EU is “across the ocean,” but geography doesn’t change economic reality. Expanding trade with the EU offers an opportunity to diversify our markets, strengthen our economy, and increase Canadian exports even further. Go Carney!
I believe Carney absolutely and will do whatever he says. Elbows Up all Canadians
So you ashole commenters from a mental institute can do a better job. Fuc off prks
@Rich. Talk to French, Dutch, German, Italian citizens what they think of the EU and get back to us. Have you missed the protests. I think you would jump off a cliff if Carney told you to do so.
@Rovh. You don’t have to be a “CON” to be against Canada having a “membership “ in the EU. Sorry to say. Carney needs to prove it is a good idea.
Why would anyone think Canada can join the EU. Geographically challenged. We are not even on the correct side of the Atlantic.
Why would Quebec think they should speak to an EU conference. They are not leaders of a country.
Canada dos have national unity. Alberta just proved that in a referendum. Quebec has proven it in 2 referendums. The Bloc is afraid to hold another because they know the outcome.
Americana are believing the trump/republican lies. Just look at American NHL players, they want out of Canada. More and more Americans will be onside for more tariffs and annexing Canada. Just ask Americans how did the 911 terrorists enter the US, and most will say thru Canada. Lies just repeated as the US supreme court said , eventually become truths
Canada has no national unity. Pay attention Joe B. Half the country is united in hate of the other half. If you say ‘elbows up’ then you’re in one of those factions.
Had to step away from the red—green riots to see if there was anything left to strip mine out of Canada? Go away EU. You offer this country little more than additional misery. Most of your vassal slaves, er member states, haven’t even signed in to the existing EU/Canada trade agreement and Carney thinks you’ll be a helpful partner? Just how delusional is Canada’s central planner? Unless, of course, he’s pursuing a hidden agenda? He does have a MASSIVE transparency problem. After all. Go away now, we don’t need your brand of decline..
So much Con misunderstanding and disinformation, but I’ll address the high points. Canada did not agree to pay $50 billion to join the EU. Canada is not joining the EU. The EU will not apply a 5% sales tax on Canadian goods in Canada, but will probably apply VAT to Canadian goods sold in the EU, just like any other goods. EU Members are not scrambling to leave the EU, if that was the case it would have fallen apart years ago. EU citizens are legally immigrating to Canada, so what. The EU is not draconian. Canada is not a failing, fascist state. Every Canadian has the right to raise their concerns with government on any issue and to participate in ongoing consultations on subjects of interest. Every Canadian has the right to vote, as we did in 2025, which gives the Government the executive authority to exercise the power delegated to it by Parliament. Government doesn’t have to go back to the voters on every decision.
Instead of cheering for Canada to fail, you Cons should go back to wherever you got your education and demand your money back. Spewing lies and half truths is not a valid way to discuss anything.
Ohh Benny you’re hilarious, we already have trade in place with the EU we can’t increase any more you know there’s a big ocean in the way right.
I take comfort with the fact that Carney will fail at this – just like he has failed at everything he has “done” as PM.
Finally a positive for having a loser Prime Minister.
Most European citizens want out of the EU Bloc. It is a draconian organization. Hence why Clowney wants to join it.
Conservatives should encourage the separatist Premier of Quebec to whine. We don’t want national unity.
The EU is going to impose a sales tax of 5% on Canada and the money will go to Ukraine.
@Anoymous 8:20. To grift money from Canada. What do you think.
Most Europeans who leave and go to Canada or the USA leave for a better life in North America. Carney missed the memo. Europeans ways of doing things should be denounced entirely.
Glad to see the Quebec Premier won’t be a Carney pawn or be dictated to, unlike Ford who is a Carney bootlicker
Total nothing burger meeting. Italy, Germany, and France have said no to “associate” status for Canada. Very little will come from this as most goods Europe need don’t come from Canada.
Canada is imposing a dictatorship with Carney as president for life once the deal is signed. The European army will have bases here to protect the fascist liberal government.
POOR BEN SWALLOWED THE KOOL AID AS ALOT OF CANADIANS HAVE ! YET IF U JUST TAKE THE TIME TO DO SOME RESEARCH U WILL FIND ITSNMOT A BARGAN ! 63 BILLION A YEAR TO JOIN? FLOOD OUR COUNTRY WITH MORE SUPPOSED REFUGEES ! ELBOWZO #1 IS A TRAITOR TO CANADA !!
Canada has agreed to pay 50 billion to join the EU and up its gas tax by 49 cents a litre. All vehicles using petrol will be forced off the street once Carney signs. Food will be delivered by Ukrainian drones.
Wonderful news! This will help increase trade with the European Union. We need to diversify our trade away from the USA.
So, the EU and it’s ‘leaders’ have no problem with Carney and his hardcore fascism not allowing a vote on this. For not allowing Canadian’s a voice on something so so important to Canadians sovereignty.
Simply, these are NOT leaders I would place anything under. Not even a lemonade stand. Let alone the security of my country. Not from what I see of their countries. Not if this is the fascist leaders they are. No thanks. I’m sick of fascism, communism, Marxism all of it. DEMOCRACY OR F*CK OFF!
We’ve seen that Carney wants Quebec to sit silently at the kids table.
@ Jack Sproule – Then why are they in Montreal?
EU members have already turned down “associate” status with Canada. Another example of Carneys political theatre that amounts to nothing.