UK should 'team up' with Canada in new Europe alliance, Canadian minister tells BBC
It comes after European Commission President proposed "opening the door" for Canada to become an associate member of the EU.
Canadian Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne has proposed that the UK join a proposed economic alliance between Canada and Europe. Speaking to the BBC, Champagne stated that the alliance is about substance and building a partnership for the future. He also commented on the Canada-US trade war, which erupted after a deal collapsed last month, and said that Canada stood up for its industries, workers, and country by imposing tariffs.
Champagne emphasized that Canada and the UK have shared values and should consider partnering in a different way. The idea of an EU associate membership for Canada, proposed by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, is unprecedented for the bloc. The UK and Canada share similar values and could strengthen their existing relationship by exploring new avenues for collaboration, such as access to EU university, scientific research, AI, and defense funding schemes.
Champagne believes that Canada's strong fiscal position and resilience can help diversify the country's economy, especially after the trade war with the US.
Written by urgent.news from BBC Business's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
