Carney’s speech to European leaders receives standing ovation

Prime Minister Mark Carney will soon be heading back to Ottawa after meeting with European leaders in the U.K. and France.

Early Thursday morning, he delivered a speech at the European parliament that received a standing ovation, outlining the different ways that a relationship between Canada and the group of nations can be mutually beneficial in areas of trade, resources, defence and artificial intelligence.

Right after that, he held a media availability with the president of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola.

When asked whether he was comfortable with the idea of becoming an associate member of the European Union (EU), he replied, “we are looking for partnerships that are complementary, that reinforce our sovereignty, and that’s what is on offer here, and Canadians are united that nobody is going to tell us what language we speak. No one is going to dictate our culture or with whom — we can strike agreements internationally.”

The word ‘sovereignty’ is one that is brought up repeatedly as the conversation around the Canada-EU relationship continues.

WATCH MORE: Canada invited to become first associate member of European Union

Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre says that’s the most important thing.

“While we support free trade and continued NATO’s cooperation with our European allies, Conservatives say no EU taxes, no EU laws and no EU open border rules on immigration in Canada,” said Poilievre.

According to the EU’s conditions for membership, new members are admitted only when they can demonstrate they will be able to play their part fully by complying with all of EU standards and rules, having the consent of existing EU members, and having the consent of its own citizens.

While Carney has not explicitly said whether Canada would become an associate EU member or not, he did say that a closer tie with Europe and an enhanced partnership will be put up for debate and final vote in parliament in the coming days.

The prime minister will meet with European leaders again next month at the EU-Canada Summit in Montreal.

WATCH MORE: Economist says Carney’s summit signals Canada is open to investment