Canada Will ‘Never Be the 28th State’ of EU, Poilievre Says

Speaking to a packed rally in Brantford, Ont., Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre repeated his opposition to Canada ceding any sovereignty amid talk of proposed associate membership in the European Union.

Canada will “never be the 28th state” of the EU, Poilievre said on Sept. 20.

The idea of Canada becoming an associate member was first publicly mentioned by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen while Prime Minister Mark Carney attended her State of the Union address at the European Parliament last week.

Carney has said he welcomes the proposal, but said the nature of the arrangement is yet to be determined, insisting that Canada will not be a member of the EU.

Carney said on Sept. 20 that Canada already has a free trade agreement with Europe and is part of NATO with European allies, while adding that the Conservatives don’t support European taxes, laws, and “reckless European-style immigration.”

He has also said that decisions for Canada “must not be made in Washington, Beijing, or Brussels, but by Canadians here at home.”

Carney has said he’s interested in expanding a number of ties with Europe amid trade tensions with Washington, including opportunities for young people and an integrated market for financial services. He has also said the House of Commons will debate and vote on the partnership.

During the Sept. 20 rally, Poilievre highlighted affordability issues and said Canada needs more tax breaks, including on gas, and that the government needs to cut spending on consultants.

He also announced that Brantford Mayor Kevin Davis will be his party’s candidate when a byelection is called for Brantford-Brant South. The riding was previously represented by former Conservative MP Larry Brock, who resigned to rejoin the Crown attorney’s office.

The Canadian Press contributed to this report.