Canada seals strategic deal with Turkey as Carney defends trade strategy

Prime Minister Mark Carney signed a strategic partnership agreement with Turkey on Friday, finalizing a deal that deepens economic ties between the two nations. The signing took place near the end of his visit to the country and follows months of negotiations aimed at reducing Canada's reliance on the United States as its primary trading partner.

The agreement comes as Carney seeks to diversify Canada's trade portfolio. While previous efforts focused on Europe and the Indo-Pacific region, this new pact expands that reach to include Turkey. Carney noted that few countries match Canada's human rights standards, arguing that his government's approach is one of values-based realism rather than unconditional alignment.

Critics have raised concerns about the partnership given the Turkish government's recent actions. This month, authorities conducted operations that human rights groups say silenced opposition voices and restricted independent journalism. Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand discussed these concerns with her Turkish counterpart on Thursday. Carney stated he also had direct conversations with President Recep Erdogan, though he declined to share specific details of those talks.

A key business outcome of the visit involves the nuclear sector. Carney told reporters that there are good chances the Canadian engineering firm AtkinsRealis will be selected to help build two power plants in Turkey. The project aligns with Ankara's climate goals and represents a potential win for Canadian technology exports.

Carney also addressed a diplomatic dispute with the United States. On Thursday, the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa released a fact sheet accusing Canadian leaders of meddling in the upcoming November 3 midterm elections. Carney called the claims meritless and expressed disappointment that the U.S. envoy saw it as his role to make such suggestions. He emphasized that Canada maintains a careful diplomatic presence to avoid appearing to interfere in American democratic processes.

The prime minister concluded his trip by meeting with business leaders in Istanbul. He reiterated that engagement in partnerships does not mean approval of every policy, but he affirmed that direct and open communication with leaders remains the most effective way to address differences.