Montreal: Maninder Sidhu, Canada’s Minister of International Trade, stated following the Canada–EU Summit that moving toward closer cooperation with the European Union (EU) will deliver significant economic prosperity to the nation. However, when questioned by journalists regarding the exact financial burden that an “Associate Membership” with the EU might impose on Canada, he avoided giving a direct answer. He added that Canada risks missing out on a massive opportunity if it fails to strengthen its ties with Europe.
The summit, chaired by Prime Minister Mark Carney, was attended by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa. Both parties announced an “Alliance for the Future” and confirmed that discussions regarding granting Canada an “Associate Membership” status will continue. Nevertheless, several EU member states have expressed opposition to providing Canada with this associate status. Minister Sidhu made these comments in response to questions posed by anchor Vassy Kapelos on CTV’s Question Period.
Questions regarding the practical benefits of this move emerged given that, despite the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) completing 10 years, Canada accounts for a mere 1 percent of total EU imports.The minister pointed out that the European Union is Canada’s second-largest export market, with vast growth potential in defense, energy, mining, and consumer goods. He stated that his primary goal is to boost Canada’s exports to non-US markets to $300 billion.Meanwhile, the Conservative opposition heavily criticized the summit, labeling it a “political drama” staged by the Liberal government to distract the public from the ongoing cost-of-living crisis facing the country.
