Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Sunday said he was pursuing unprecedented closeness with the European Union to reduce its dependence on its economically hostile neighbor, but not a membership with the bloc.
"We're not looking to become a member of the European Union," Carney told reporters at the Toronto International Film Festival.
"What we are looking — and will begin discussions for — is a unique alliance between Canada and the European Union," he said. "We share the same values, we have the same priorities and we have very complementary strengths."
Carney's clarification came after a report by the Wall Street Journal claimed he was exploring whether Canada could become an "associate member" of the bloc. The newspaper reported that the EU was open to the idea of granting Canada associate membership — a status it would have to create for the North American nation.
