Prime Minister Mark Carney and French President Emmanuel Macron have committed to collaborating on space infrastructure, as well as fostering business and economic development.
During a press conference in the French territory of Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon on Sunday, Carney announced that he and Macron will direct their respective space agencies and defense ministries to create and share a unified infrastructure, which will encompass space launch systems and terrestrial reception facilities.
Additionally, he mentioned that the regional joint cooperation commission between Atlantic Canada and Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon will be tasked with broadening its efforts in areas such as economic development, energy transition, and climate resilience.
Carney indicated that the chambers of commerce from both nations are also working together to strengthen ties between their business sectors.
An agreement between the French and Canadian chambers of commerce is anticipated to be signed in the upcoming weeks.
The prime minister is visiting Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon this Sunday to meet with Macron. Upon arrival, the two leaders exchanged a handshake and a hug, with several airport staff nearby capturing photos and videos of the moment.
The leaders participated in a working lunch before attending a wreath-laying ceremony at a memorial honoring the volunteers of Free France.
In December 1941, the Free French forces peacefully liberated the archipelago from the Vichy regime, which had collaborated with Nazi Germany during World War II.
Macron is expected to remain on the islands, located roughly 20 kilometers off the southern coast of Newfoundland and Labrador, for three days this weekend before heading to New York City for the UN General Assembly.
Carney, who plans to travel to New York on Monday, chose to accompany Macron on what both nations describe as a visit meant to showcase unity and mutual respect.
According to Macron’s office, Carney is the first Canadian prime minister to officially visit Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon, while Macron is the first French president to make the trip in over a decade.
“In a world characterized by a resurgence of power politics, geopolitical tensions, and new dependencies, France and Canada share a common goal: to collaborate — alongside all nations that uphold these values — to enhance their capability for independent decision-making and action,” stated a spokesperson from Macron’s office in an email.
Alain Di Crescenzo, President and CEO of the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry, expressed in a statement that strengthening ties with the Canadian Chamber of Commerce represents a “tangible step in our commitment to transforming a historic relationship into real business opportunities.”
“Our two economies possess true complementarities, and by leveraging them, we can establish shared value chains in key sectors beneficial to businesses in both countries,” Di Crescenzo remarked. “The trust that already binds our two nations is an asset that few commercial partnerships worldwide can claim — a strength we can utilize while also exploring other markets concurrently.”
Canadian Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Candace Laing noted in a statement that the organization has already begun to enhance its relationships with the French business sector, including leading a trade mission of Canadian business leaders to Paris last June.
“We have many more such initiatives planned,” she added.
The meeting between Carney and Macron occurs amid rising tensions between Canada and the United States, as well as between Europe and the US, while Canada and the European Union work towards establishing a new and expanded alliance.
On Wednesday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed her desire for Canada to become the first “associate member” of the European Union.
During her State of the Union address to the European Parliament, she emphasized the need for both sides to “urgently reimagine” their partnership and move beyond a free-trade agreement to elevate the relationship to its “highest possible level.”
Carney spoke to the Parliament in Strasbourg, France, on Thursday, expressing his support for von der Leyen’s aspirations regarding Canadian partnership.
He mentioned that while the specifics of the new arrangement are yet to be finalized, the partnership will be subject to discussion and a parliamentary vote. Carney expressed interest in expanding various connections, including opportunities for youth and an integrated market for financial services.
Canada and Europe already share a free trade agreement — although it has yet to be ratified by all EU member states — and last year, Canada became the only non-European participant in the EU’s new defense procurement program.
Carney indicated a desire to strengthen ties with Europe immediately after becoming prime minister in March 2025, as he traveled to meet Macron in Paris and King Charles in London shortly after his swearing-in.
On Sunday, he reiterated that the partnership between Canada and France is central to its evolving relationship with Europe.
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