Poilievre says Canada will never be ’28th state’ of EU at Ontario rally

Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre declared during a rally in Brantford, Ontario that Canada will "never be the 28th state of the European Union" as Prime Minister Mark Carney seeks to strengthen ties with Europe, even amid a trade war with the United States. Poilievre's statement came days after European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed her desire for Canada to become the first "associate member" of the European Union.

Poilievre argues that Canada already enjoys a free trade agreement with Europe and strong defense partnerships through NATO, but he does not support the integration of European taxes, laws, and what he perceives as "reckless European-style immigration" into Canadian territories. Prime Minister Carney expressed his support for von der Leyen's initiatives for Canadian cooperation, but the specifics of the potential partnership remain unclear.

Carney indicated interest in expanding various connections, including opportunities for younger generations and an integrated market for financial services. It will be up to the House of Commons to debate and vote on the proposed partnership. This report, originally published by The Canadian Press on September 20, 2026, was compiled by Kathryn Mannie.