Canadian Minister Tells BBC UK Should Team Up With Canada In New Europe Alliance

Canadian Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne said the UK should “team up” with a proposed economic alliance between Canada and Europe, arguing the two countries share the same values and should build “the alliance of the future,” according to BBC. He said Canada and the EU are exploring closer ties after European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed opening the door to an associate EU membership for Canada, while Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has also talked about cooperation among “middle powers” on growth, resilience and security. Champagne also defended Canada’s response to its trade dispute with the US, saying the country had stood up for its industries and workers by imposing tariffs after talks collapsed. He said Canada did not seek escalation and would reengage “at the right time” with the US, while affected industries would be supported “as long as it takes and whatever it takes.”