Envoy says France admires Carney’s U.S. stance

French Ambassador to Canada Hélène Farnaud-Defromont expressed admiration for Prime Minister Mark Carney's response to "extremely radical" American demands. She called for expedited action to strengthen Canada's strategic ties with Europe. In her first interview since her posting began last month, Farnaud-Defromont stated that her country views Canada's approach to managing trade negotiations with the U.S. administration as exemplary.

The ambassador emphasized that Canada's stance, characterized by both calmness and determination, commands admiration in Europe, particularly in France. She highlighted the importance of building strong, strategic partnerships with Canada amidst a turbulent global climate marked by economic upheaval, war in Ukraine, and political polarization.

France and Canada already share a good, comprehensive, and substantial bilateral relationship based on shared values, human rights, and French-speaking communities. Farnaud-Defromont underscored the potential for further collaboration in sectors such as aerospace, defence, energy, quantum technology, and artificial intelligence.

She emphasized the need to swiftly build upon the already strong ties and urged the implementation of concrete outcomes rather than dwelling on phrasing. Carney's recent speech at the European Parliament in Strasbourg resonated with the French people, and Farnaud-Defromont believes that the partnership should be established rapidly to address today's challenges.