QuickQuotes: Reaction to Carney’s move to strike new alliance with the European Union

— Prime Minister Mark Carney

“We need to put Canada first, in this time more than ever. The decisions for our country, though, must not be made in Washington, Beijing or Brussels, but by Canadians here at home … While we support free trade and continued NATO co-operation with our European allies, Conservatives say no EU taxes, no EU laws and no EU open border rules on immigration in Canada.”

— Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre

“Canada is a sovereign country. We will decide who we trade with and how we build our future. It’s of no surprise that President (Donald) Trump is now lashing out at the prospect of Canada increasing our trade ties with Europe. His response is next level fear of missing out. He has an option: stop being a bully and maybe you’ll get invited back to the party. I am proud that Canada is spreading our wings … We will not be bullied by those who look to oppress us. My focus will continue to be on protecting our future and building Nova Scotia.”

— Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston

“The speech delivered today by Prime Minister Mark Carney was historic, courageous and profoundly European in spirit. It set out a vision of the world that Europe largely shares and confirmed that Canada is more than a strategic partner: it is part of our wider democratic and political family. At a time when the international order is being reshaped by power politics, economic coercion and growing authoritarianism, Carney has shown the ambition and strategic clarity that this moment demands. Europe should respond with equal ambition.”

— Sandro Gozi, secretary-general of the European Democratic Party and member of the European Parliament.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 17, 2026.

The Canadian Press

by The Canadian Press

QuickQuotes: Reaction to Carney’s move to strike new alliance with the European Union

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