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Canada urges Britain to join its new EU economic alliance as Trump tariff war reshapes global trade

From the Newshound archive · first published 21 September 2026 · last updated 22 September 2026.

Emmanuel Macron and Mark Carney, meeting on France's only remaining North American territory, are expected to discuss energy, defence ties and Canada's bid to become the EU's first associate member.
Emmanuel Macron and Mark Carney, meeting on France's only remaining North American territory, are expected to discuss energy, defence ties and Canada's bid to become the EU's first associate member.

Canadian Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne has called on the UK to "team up" with the Canada-EU economic alliance now taking shape, telling the BBC the world has changed and nations must change with it. Prime Minister Mark Carney visited Strasbourg to advance the partnership after European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed Canada become the EU's first-ever associate member. The British government has not yet publicly responded to the invitation.

Champagne framed the push as building "the alliance of the future", covering AI, defence, energy and critical minerals.

Trump threatened further tariffs on the EU if the associate membership plan proved "hostile" to the US, calling Canada a "terrible trading partner".

Canada and the US have been locked in a tit-for-tat tariff war since trade talks collapsed in August, with Ottawa vowing to match American duties "dollar-for-dollar".

MoreBBC News - BusinessUK should 'team up' with Canada in new Europe alliance, Canadian minister saysThe IndependentCanada calls for new economic alliance with Britain and EUAPTrump shattered Canada’s old US relationship. Carney is building a new one in EuropeWinn FMUK should ‘team up’ with Canada in new Europe alliance, Canadian minister tells BBC - Winn FMThe Business StandardCanada urges UK to team up with proposed Canada-EU economic alliance - The Business StandardMercoPressCanada invites the UK to join its economic alliance with the European Union - MercoPressThe GuardianCanada is seeking new global neighbours – no wonder, as Trump rolls out stupidities at scale
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