Canada's New PM Hits the Road: A Transatlantic Tour

The newly appointed prime minister of Canada, Carney, is kicking off his international journey with a visit to France and the United Kingdom. This trip comes at a crucial time, as Canada faces economic challenges from its neighbor to the south. The United States, under President Trump, has imposed tariffs on various imports from Canada and other trading partners, including steel and aluminum. Canada has responded with its own set of retaliatory measures, and the European Commission has also prepared to do the same. Carney's visit to France is significant, as he aims to strengthen ties between Canada and Europe. During his speech, he made a subtle remark about Canada's potential to join the European Union, referring to Canada as "the most European of non-European countries. " This comment comes at a time when public opinion in Canada is divided on the issue. A recent survey by Abacus Data showed that 44 percent of Canadians support the idea of joining the EU, while 34 percent are against it. However, it's important to note that EU membership is exclusively for European countries. French President Macron echoed Carney's sentiments, emphasizing the importance of fair trade that adheres to international rules. He argued that such trade practices are beneficial for everyone's prosperity and are more effective than tariffs, which can lead to inflation and disrupt production chains. Both leaders also highlighted the potential for economic cooperation in areas such as artificial intelligence and quantum technology. Before heading to the UK, Carney visited the reconstructed Notre-Dame cathedral in Paris. He also met with the Canadian ambassador and former Liberal leader Stéphane Dion. His next stop is the United Kingdom, where he will meet with Prime Minister Keir Starmer and King Charles III. The purpose of these meetings is to discuss shared economic opportunities and strengthen bilateral relations. The outcome of Carney's trip remains to be seen, as it is unclear whether he will have more opportunities for international visits. This is because he is expected to call for new elections as early as this month. The results of these elections could significantly impact Canada's political landscape and its relationship with other countries.