Threatened by US, Canada hugs France and Britain close
Anne-Marie PROVOST
With Canada’s economy and even sovereignty under unprecedented threat from its southern neighbour the United States, its new leader has embarked on a trans-Atlantic trip to strengthen ties with traditional friends France and Britain.
Just days into his mandate, Prime Minister Mark Carney faces threats on three fronts: A trade war with the Washington, US President Donald Trump’s threats to annex his country, and looming domestic elections.
But, despite the tension at home, he is expecting warm welcomes on three days of visits to Paris, London and Iqaluit in Canada’s northernmost territory, Nunavut.
“Canada was built upon a union of peoples –- indigenous, French, and British,” Carney said, in a statement released before he set off from Ottawa on Sunday, two days after he was sworn in, replacing 10-year veteran prime minister Justin Trudeau as leader of the G7, NATO and Commonwealth power.
“My visit to France and the United Kingdom will strengthen trade, commercial, and defence ties with two of our strongest and most reliable partners, and my visit to Nunavut will be an opportunity to bolster Canada’s Arctic sovereignty and security, and our plan to unlock the North’s full economic potential.”
Carney did not say why Canada might be in need of “reliable partners”, but he didn’t need to — Trump’s imposition of an escalating raft of import tariffs on Canadian goods has threatened to trigger a recession, and his scorn for Canadian sovereignty sent jitters through the former ally.
Opinion polls show a large majority of Canadian voters reject Trump’s argument that their country would be better off as the “51st state of the United States,” but the trade war is a threat to the economy of the vast country of 41 million people, which has long enjoyed a close US partnership.
On Monday, 60-year-old Carney will be in Paris for a working dinner with French President Emmanuel Macron and discuss how to, according to the Canadian leader’s office, “build stronger economic, commercial, and defence ties.”
According to the Elysee, the two leaders “will discuss Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, international crises, and projects at the heart” of the “strategic partnership” between Paris and Ottawa.
– ‘Security and sovereignty’ –
Canada, France and Britain are among the NATO members that have maintained strong support for Ukraine’s beleaguered government and military since Russia’s all-out invasion in February 2022, even as Trump’s US administration has bullied Kyiv to make concessions to Moscow.
London and Paris are putting together plans for a coalition security force in Ukraine and looking for allies.
France is Canada’s 11th-largest trading partner and Britain its third at a time when Trump’s tariffs and Canadian retaliatory measures are threatening trade with its huge southern neighbour — destination of three-quarters of Canada’s exports.
But Canada also has a “Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement” with the European Union, which includes France, and is a member of the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), which now also includes Britain.
After Paris, Carney heads for London, where he once worked as governor of the Bank Of England, for talks with Prime Minister Keir Starmer and King Charles III, the monarch who is head of state in both Britain and Canada.
In his first speech as prime minister, Carney said: “Security is a priority for this government, reinforcing our security, as is diversifying our trading and commercial relationships, of course, with both Europe and the United Kingdom.”
On his return leg, Carney will touch down in Iqaluit, in Nunavut, the Canadian territory closest to the Danish autonomous country of Greenland — another Trump target for annexation — to “reaffirm Canada’s Arctic security and sovereignty.”
CANADIENS ARE HUGGERS
By AFP
March 17, 2025
Canada's new prime minister, Mark Carney, will hold meetings in Paris and London on only his second week in office - Copyright AFP Dave Chan
By AFP
March 17, 2025
Canada's new prime minister, Mark Carney, will hold meetings in Paris and London on only his second week in office - Copyright AFP Dave Chan
Anne-Marie PROVOST
With Canada’s economy and even sovereignty under unprecedented threat from its southern neighbour the United States, its new leader has embarked on a trans-Atlantic trip to strengthen ties with traditional friends France and Britain.
Just days into his mandate, Prime Minister Mark Carney faces threats on three fronts: A trade war with the Washington, US President Donald Trump’s threats to annex his country, and looming domestic elections.
But, despite the tension at home, he is expecting warm welcomes on three days of visits to Paris, London and Iqaluit in Canada’s northernmost territory, Nunavut.
“Canada was built upon a union of peoples –- indigenous, French, and British,” Carney said, in a statement released before he set off from Ottawa on Sunday, two days after he was sworn in, replacing 10-year veteran prime minister Justin Trudeau as leader of the G7, NATO and Commonwealth power.
“My visit to France and the United Kingdom will strengthen trade, commercial, and defence ties with two of our strongest and most reliable partners, and my visit to Nunavut will be an opportunity to bolster Canada’s Arctic sovereignty and security, and our plan to unlock the North’s full economic potential.”
Carney did not say why Canada might be in need of “reliable partners”, but he didn’t need to — Trump’s imposition of an escalating raft of import tariffs on Canadian goods has threatened to trigger a recession, and his scorn for Canadian sovereignty sent jitters through the former ally.
Opinion polls show a large majority of Canadian voters reject Trump’s argument that their country would be better off as the “51st state of the United States,” but the trade war is a threat to the economy of the vast country of 41 million people, which has long enjoyed a close US partnership.
On Monday, 60-year-old Carney will be in Paris for a working dinner with French President Emmanuel Macron and discuss how to, according to the Canadian leader’s office, “build stronger economic, commercial, and defence ties.”
According to the Elysee, the two leaders “will discuss Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, international crises, and projects at the heart” of the “strategic partnership” between Paris and Ottawa.
– ‘Security and sovereignty’ –
Canada, France and Britain are among the NATO members that have maintained strong support for Ukraine’s beleaguered government and military since Russia’s all-out invasion in February 2022, even as Trump’s US administration has bullied Kyiv to make concessions to Moscow.
London and Paris are putting together plans for a coalition security force in Ukraine and looking for allies.
France is Canada’s 11th-largest trading partner and Britain its third at a time when Trump’s tariffs and Canadian retaliatory measures are threatening trade with its huge southern neighbour — destination of three-quarters of Canada’s exports.
But Canada also has a “Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement” with the European Union, which includes France, and is a member of the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), which now also includes Britain.
After Paris, Carney heads for London, where he once worked as governor of the Bank Of England, for talks with Prime Minister Keir Starmer and King Charles III, the monarch who is head of state in both Britain and Canada.
In his first speech as prime minister, Carney said: “Security is a priority for this government, reinforcing our security, as is diversifying our trading and commercial relationships, of course, with both Europe and the United Kingdom.”
On his return leg, Carney will touch down in Iqaluit, in Nunavut, the Canadian territory closest to the Danish autonomous country of Greenland — another Trump target for annexation — to “reaffirm Canada’s Arctic security and sovereignty.”
By Jennifer Kervin
March 17, 2025
DIGITAL JOURNAL
Photo by Redd Francisco on Unsplash
The federal government is making a strategic push to strengthen Canada’s innovation ecosystem, investing in industries that have already shown strong potential for growth and job creation.
Announced by former Innovation Minister François-Philippe Champagne, five business-led networks will receive additional funding from the Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) to attract large-scale investments, help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) scale, and bolster Canada’s competitiveness in emerging technologies.
(Note: François-Philippe Champagne served as minister of innovation, science and industry under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who resigned from his position in January. Champagne has been appointed minister of finance under the new Prime Minister Mark Carney, while Anita Anand takes over the innovation, science and industry portfolio.)
“Our government has long valued the expertise of the private sector and research institutions, which is why we launched SIF to drive innovation and strengthen the Canadian economy,” Champagne said in a statement.
“By boosting investments in areas with a high performance record and with strong growth potential, we’re securing high-paying Canadian jobs and positioning our industries to thrive in the rapidly evolving technology landscape.”
Targeting high-growth sectors
Since its inception, SIF has committed nearly $1.1 billion to 14 networks across emerging technology sectors. These networks have leveraged more than $1.7 billion in additional funding, attracted 17,000 members, and funded nearly 650 collaborative projects.
The latest round of funding focuses on networks that have demonstrated impact and scalability:Canadian Food Innovation Network (CFIN) will receive $8.6 million to accelerate research and development in food processing and production technologies. Since 2021, CFIN-supported companies have created 350 new jobs and secured $21 million in private-sector investment.
Canadian Agri-Food Automation and Intelligence Network (CAAIN) will receive $8 million to support AI-driven automation in agriculture, helping producers improve efficiency. Since 2019, CAAIN has backed the creation of more than 500 jobs and leveraged $67.6 million in investment.
Clean Resource Innovation Network (CRIN) will receive $10 million to fund technologies aimed at reducing the oil and gas sector’s environmental impact. CRIN has already supported 200 jobs and attracted $150 million in private investment since 2020.
Natural Products Canada (NPC) will get $5 million to advance biotechnology innovations that support human, animal, and plant well-being. Since 2021, NPC has helped create 130 jobs and leverage nearly $15 million in private investment.
Mining Innovation Commercialization Accelerator (MICA) will receive $5 million to modernize mining operations, strengthen supply chains, and boost export sales. Since 2021, MICA has supported more than 435 jobs and mobilized $170 million in private investment.
According to Marc Serré, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, this funding is about more than just dollars — it’s about strengthening Canada’s foothold in key industries and creating long-term opportunities:
“Investing in innovation means investing in good jobs, economic growth, and a more competitive Canada. This additional funding for SIF networks will strengthen key industries, drive technological advancements, and create new opportunities for businesses and workers across the country.”
Strengthening Canada’s innovation ecosystem
In addition to this latest funding, a wide range of networks in key emerging tech sectors are actively shaping Canada’s innovation landscape. For example, the Centre of Excellence in Next Generation Networks (CENGN) is helping to enhance digital connectivity; the Canadian Medical Isotope Ecosystem (CMIE), which plays a role in advancing medical treatments; and the Initiative for Sustainable Aviation Technology (INSAT), which is pushing for greener air travel.
The new funding aims to build on that momentum, ensuring Canada remains competitive in a rapidly evolving global economy. Whether in clean tech, advanced manufacturing, or life sciences, the goal is to turn promising research into commercial success stories — and create lasting economic opportunities along the way.
Photo by Redd Francisco on Unsplash
The federal government is making a strategic push to strengthen Canada’s innovation ecosystem, investing in industries that have already shown strong potential for growth and job creation.
Announced by former Innovation Minister François-Philippe Champagne, five business-led networks will receive additional funding from the Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) to attract large-scale investments, help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) scale, and bolster Canada’s competitiveness in emerging technologies.
(Note: François-Philippe Champagne served as minister of innovation, science and industry under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who resigned from his position in January. Champagne has been appointed minister of finance under the new Prime Minister Mark Carney, while Anita Anand takes over the innovation, science and industry portfolio.)
“Our government has long valued the expertise of the private sector and research institutions, which is why we launched SIF to drive innovation and strengthen the Canadian economy,” Champagne said in a statement.
“By boosting investments in areas with a high performance record and with strong growth potential, we’re securing high-paying Canadian jobs and positioning our industries to thrive in the rapidly evolving technology landscape.”
Targeting high-growth sectors
Since its inception, SIF has committed nearly $1.1 billion to 14 networks across emerging technology sectors. These networks have leveraged more than $1.7 billion in additional funding, attracted 17,000 members, and funded nearly 650 collaborative projects.
The latest round of funding focuses on networks that have demonstrated impact and scalability:Canadian Food Innovation Network (CFIN) will receive $8.6 million to accelerate research and development in food processing and production technologies. Since 2021, CFIN-supported companies have created 350 new jobs and secured $21 million in private-sector investment.
Canadian Agri-Food Automation and Intelligence Network (CAAIN) will receive $8 million to support AI-driven automation in agriculture, helping producers improve efficiency. Since 2019, CAAIN has backed the creation of more than 500 jobs and leveraged $67.6 million in investment.
Clean Resource Innovation Network (CRIN) will receive $10 million to fund technologies aimed at reducing the oil and gas sector’s environmental impact. CRIN has already supported 200 jobs and attracted $150 million in private investment since 2020.
Natural Products Canada (NPC) will get $5 million to advance biotechnology innovations that support human, animal, and plant well-being. Since 2021, NPC has helped create 130 jobs and leverage nearly $15 million in private investment.
Mining Innovation Commercialization Accelerator (MICA) will receive $5 million to modernize mining operations, strengthen supply chains, and boost export sales. Since 2021, MICA has supported more than 435 jobs and mobilized $170 million in private investment.
According to Marc Serré, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, this funding is about more than just dollars — it’s about strengthening Canada’s foothold in key industries and creating long-term opportunities:
“Investing in innovation means investing in good jobs, economic growth, and a more competitive Canada. This additional funding for SIF networks will strengthen key industries, drive technological advancements, and create new opportunities for businesses and workers across the country.”
Strengthening Canada’s innovation ecosystem
In addition to this latest funding, a wide range of networks in key emerging tech sectors are actively shaping Canada’s innovation landscape. For example, the Centre of Excellence in Next Generation Networks (CENGN) is helping to enhance digital connectivity; the Canadian Medical Isotope Ecosystem (CMIE), which plays a role in advancing medical treatments; and the Initiative for Sustainable Aviation Technology (INSAT), which is pushing for greener air travel.
The new funding aims to build on that momentum, ensuring Canada remains competitive in a rapidly evolving global economy. Whether in clean tech, advanced manufacturing, or life sciences, the goal is to turn promising research into commercial success stories — and create lasting economic opportunities along the way.
This article was created with the assistance of AI. Learn more about our AI ethics policy here.
Written By Jennifer Kervin
Jennifer Kervin is a Digital Journal staff writer and editor based in Toronto.
No comments:
Post a Comment