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Jamie Sarkonak: Don't trust Carney to tell us what EU 'associate membership' means

The prime minister claimed in a speech to the European Parliament that this would be a boon to Canada's sovereignty. It will not be

On Thursday, Prime Minister Mark Carney stood before the European Parliament and said that he welcomed the “ambition” to bring Canada in as an “associate member.” He framed it as a sovereignty-reinforcing move, but seeing how many strings and risks come with EU membership — and how little he’s told the public about his plan — it sounds like a slim prospect.

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Because “associate member” isn’t a real type of EU membership, we’re stuck gleaning what it entails from Carney’s speech. “Seamless digital trade and non-agricultural goods and a wide range of services,” were mentioned, along with closer ties between our financial systems, more communications infrastructure and closer collaboration on AI rules. Even gas exports made the list.

Jamie Sarkonak: Don't trust Carney to tell us what EU 'associate membership' means Back to video

Carney spoke of “deepening people-to-people ties,” giving the example of young people living, working, and studying wherever they want within the hypothetical union. On the studying front, he also suggested membership in Erasmus , the EU’s multi-billion scholarship program.

Columnist Jesse Kline keeps you up to date with what’s happening in Israel and the effects of antisemitism on life here in Canada. Friday mornings.

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