Canada is seeking to become the first non-European nation to attain the new, and internationally contentious, designation of “associate member” in the European Union, Prime Minister Mark Carney confirmed Friday in Montreal.
“We are working towards the deepest possible partnership, short of accession because of our geography, with Canada becoming the European Union’s first associate member,” Carney said.
If it’s approved, the new alliance will make Canada the closest partner to the 27-nation economic bloc and its 450 million residents, bringing with it greater opportunities for jobs, research, economic trade and security, Carney said at the close of the 21st Canada-European Union summit.