Carney Calls for Joint Action on AI

Carney said Canada, France, China and the United States are among the countries he considers to be at the forefront of artificial intelligence.

He argued that countries should work together to establish appropriate rules and standards so that AI can be developed and used safely and effectively. In his European Parliament speech, Carney also proposed that Canada and Europe cooperate on AI safety protocols, common standards and transparency.

Sovereignty and Access to Strategic Technologies

Carney said sovereignty is no longer only about a country's ability to produce food, secure energy and defend itself.

He argued that countries also need reliable access to artificial intelligence, semiconductors, critical minerals, clean energy technologies, payment systems and space-based communications. He said Canada and Europe could address these needs through deeper cooperation rather than trying to become completely self-sufficient individually.

Canada and Europe Plan a Deeper Partnership

Carney has described closer Canada-EU cooperation as an "alliance for the future." The proposed partnership would expand cooperation in areas including critical minerals, defence industries, AI and computing, energy security, space and financial services.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has also proposed opening the way for Canada to become the EU's first associate member, although the precise structure of such a relationship would still need to be developed.

Canada's Role in Energy and Critical Minerals

Carney said Canada can contribute energy resources and critical minerals to Europe while benefiting from European expertise in areas such as advanced processing and clean-energy technologies.

The Canadian government says the country has deposits of more than 34 critical minerals and is seeking deeper cooperation with Europe to develop supply chains for materials used in technologies such as batteries, semiconductors and clean-energy systems.

Carney Highlights Canada's Relationship With France

Carney also emphasized the close relationship between Canada and France.

He noted that only a short distance separates Canada from France at their closest point, referring to the French territory of Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon, located near Newfoundland. He said the two countries are even closer in terms of their shared values.

Carney and French President Emmanuel Macron met in Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon on September 20 to discuss closer cooperation in energy, defence, critical minerals and advanced technologies.

AI, Space and Technology Become Strategic Priorities

Carney's remarks reflect a broader effort by Canada and Europe to strengthen their ability to access and develop strategic technologies.

The Canadian government has identified AI, quantum technology, space, critical minerals and energy as areas where cooperation with European partners could increase resilience and reduce vulnerabilities in important supply chains.

Key Points

  • Carney identified Canada, France, China and the United States as countries at the forefront of AI.
  • He called for cooperation on AI safety, standards and transparency.
  • He said modern sovereignty requires secure access to strategic technologies and resources.
  • Canada and Europe are seeking deeper cooperation in AI, energy, critical minerals, space and defence.
  • Carney highlighted Canada's close relationship with France.
  • Canada and France are also discussing cooperation in advanced technologies, energy and critical minerals.
  • Carney has promoted a broader "alliance for the future" between Canada and Europe.

Source

This article is based on remarks by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and official Canadian government statements concerning Canada-Europe and Canada-France cooperation.