Poilievre says Canada will never be EU’s ’28th state’ at Ontario – National rally

Pierre Poilievre says Canada will “never be the 28th country in the European Union” as Prime Minister Mark Carney seeks closer ties with Europe amid a trade war with the United States.

Poilievre made the comments at a rally in Brantford, Ont., on Sunday, days after European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said she wanted Canada to become the European Union’s first “associate member.”

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The Opposition Leader said Canada has a free trade agreement with Europe and a close defense relationship with the continent through NATO, but he does not support taxes, European laws and what he called “reckless European-style immigration” bringing to home.

Carney said he welcomed von der Leyen’s ambitions for a partnership with Canada, but the nature of the new agreement had not yet been determined.

He said he was interested in expanding a number of relationships, including opportunities for young people, and an integrated financial services market.

The Prime Minister said the House of Commons would debate and vote on the partnership.