Canada and France deepen ties on defence, AI, space and critical minerals

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and French President Emmanuel Macron have pledged closer cooperation between Canada and France on defence, technology, energy and economic security.

The leaders met in Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon, the French archipelago about 20 kilometres south of Newfoundland, during the first official visit there by a Canadian prime minister.

“Today sovereignty goes beyond being able to feed, fuel and defend ourselves. It requires secure access to AI, semiconductors, critical minerals, payment systems, clean energy technologies, vaccines and space-based communications,” Carney said in prepared remarks.

Carney said the countries would direct their space agencies and defence ministries to develop and share infrastructure, including space launch systems and ground facilities.

Canada and France also plan to expand regional cooperation on economic growth, energy transition and climate resilience, while creating a strategic partnership between their chambers of commerce.

The announcement comes as Canada seeks closer economic and security ties with Europe amid worsening trade relations with the United States.

“Canada and Europe will build an alliance for the future that will strengthen our collective resilience so that we can live our lives as we choose,” Carney said alongside Macron.

The leaders also laid wreaths honouring Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon resistance fighters who fought for Free France during the Second World War.