France and Canada have announced plans to deepen cooperation in energy, defence, space, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, critical minerals and clean energy.
The agreement was announced on Sunday, September 20, 2026, during a joint press conference between French President Emmanuel Macron and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in Saint-Pierre and Miquelon, a French overseas territory located about 25 kilometres from Newfoundland.
Macron said the two countries share common values, including democracy, the rule of law, respect for international law and support for fair trade.
Carney said Canada and France were seeking to strengthen their partnership and cooperation with the European Union as Canada looks to reduce its economic dependence on the United States.
The Canadian prime minister has expressed support for a closer relationship between Canada and the EU, including the possibility of Canada becoming an associate member of the bloc rather than a full member.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen recently proposed opening discussions on associate membership for Canada.
The development comes amid growing trade tensions between Canada and the United States. The administration of US President Donald Trump has imposed tariffs of up to 50 percent on nearly $20 billion worth of Canadian products, while Canada has introduced retaliatory measures.
Trump has criticised Canada’s efforts to strengthen ties with the EU, warning that such a move could be considered a “hostile act” depending on its intentions.
Carney, however, has said Canada is seeking greater resilience and sovereignty rather than creating a rival bloc, stressing the importance of protecting the country’s markets, territory, democracy and independence.
The latest France-Canada agreement is expected to expand cooperation between the two countries while strengthening Canada’s links with Europe.
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