Currently, the focus of the Prime Minister and Canada’s newly established government is on fundamental issues: generating higher-paying employment opportunities, fostering new trade partnerships with trustworthy allies, and enhancing national security.
In this context, the Prime Minister has announced his upcoming trip to Paris, France; London, United Kingdom; and Iqaluit, Nunavut from March 16 to 18, 2025. This journey aims to fortify two of Canada’s longest-standing economic and security alliances while affirming the nation’s stance on Arctic sovereignty.
During his visit in Paris, Prime Minister Carney will engage in discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron. The two leaders intend to build upon the existing framework established by the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) as they work towards strengthening economic ties alongside shared defence commitments. Furthermore, Carney plans to highlight Canada’s efforts in responsibly harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) for innovative advancements.
In London, Prime Minister Carney will meet UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. Their agenda will include enhancing transatlantic security measures along with further developing Canada-UK commercial relations within frameworks like the Canada-United Kingdom Trade Continuity Agreement as well as exploring avenues through the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Additionally, a meeting with His Majesty King Charles III is scheduled during this stop.
The final leg of his journey takes him to Iqaluit on March 18th where he will emphasize Canada’s Arctic sovereignty. There he plans to converse with members of the 1 Canadian Rangers Patrol Group – an essential entity dedicated to maintaining stability and safety in Arctic regions.
Prime Minister Carney’s itinerary also includes a discussion with Nunavut Premier P.J. Akeeagok regarding pressing needs within Northern communities. He intends to reaffirm his government’s commitment towards boosting economic growth across these regions while placing importance on upholding sovereignty rights alongside reconciliation initiatives involving First Nations peoples throughout Canada.
Statement
“Our great nation was shaped by diverse communities – Indigenous peoples along with representatives from French and British origins,” remarked Prime Minister Carney. “My engagements in France and Great Britain aim at reinforcing our mutual ties rooted in trade defense cooperation whilst my visit here today allows me an opportunity address critical aspects concerning our Arctic sovereignty.”
Notable Insights
- This marks Prime Minister Carney’s inaugural international journey since taking office.
- The nations of France and England serve as vital allies for Canada within global platforms such as NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization), G7 & G20 groups along being permanent UN Security Council members.
- As of 2024 figures show that trade volume between Canada & France reached CA$14.2 billion placing it third largest merchandise trading partner among EU member states & eleventh globally overall!
- CETA was initiated back in 2016; its provisional application began just a year later—increasing bilateral merchandise trading by over sixty percent since then anyway you look at it!
- The United Kingdom stood tall last year claiming CA$61 billion’s worth making them third largest partner for goods/services combined! Over three thousand five hundred Canadian firms rely heavily exporting goods there—with approximately ninety-three percent falling under small/medium-sized enterprises category!
- This past July saw accession protocol signed welcoming English membership resulting into becoming twelfth participant among CPTPP entities showing robust potential ahead indeed!
