Prime Minister Mark Carney is facing backlash for saying Canada closely resembles a European country and ought to increase trade and cooperation with the European Union.
Carney, who was recently appointed prime minister, is on a three-day trip to Europe where he visited French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris, France before heading to the United Kingdom.
During a joint press conference with Macron, Carney emphasized his commitment to expanding Canada-EU cooperation, particularly in response to ongoing trade disputes with U.S. President Donald Trump.
Carney said he wanted to ensure France and Europe continue cooperating with Canada, touting Canada as the “most European of non-European countries.”
“I want to ensure that France and the whole of Europe works enthusiastically with Canada, the most European of non-European countries,” said Carney.
While Carney was born and raised in Canada, he is a citizen of two European countries – Ireland and the United Kingdom.
Carney has claimed to have contacted the governments of Ireland and the U.K. to renounce his citizenship, though it remains unconfirmed whether the process has been completed.
In a 2023 panel discussion at the World Economic Forum, Carney identified himself as a “European” before talking about how the European Union and the United States could dependably transition to a net-zero economy.
“As a European, I am a European actually. Yeah, an Irish citizen. Speaking as a European…” said Carney.
Critics of Carney’s statement argue that Canada should not seek to further integrate itself with the European Union, claiming that the continental government has many flaws that leave current and former member nations like the UK unhappy.
Conservative MP Dan Albas expressed skepticism as to why Carney is touting Canada in a European context instead of a uniquely Canadian one.
“What is it with Carney’s obsession with Europe? We are uniquely Canadian. The true north strong and free!” said Albas.
In a press conference on Monday, Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre said that while he understands the importance of world leaders meeting with one another to discuss pertinent issues, he does not see Carney’s trip as a productive one.