EU envoy says ‘unique’ Canada partnership taking shape before Carney speech

The European Union’s ambassador to Canada says the bloc is developing a new partnership with Ottawa unlike any arrangement that currently exists.

Geneviève Tuts said the work is what Prime Minister Mark Carney was referring to last month when he said he was pursuing a much stronger and deeper security and economic partnership with the EU. She said it would be something “unique,” rather than an exact replica of EU arrangements with countries such as Switzerland, Norway and the United Kingdom.

Carney is scheduled to address the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, next week, following what Tuts described as an exceptional invitation for a non-European leader.

Media reports have suggested an agreement could emerge between Canada and the EU at next week’s meeting. Tuts said she instead expects discussions about a possible new partnership. Brussels would then consult member states and Canada would consult the provinces before a possible announcement at a summit in late October.