Negotiations towards a new transatlantic pact between Canada and the European Union are not including comprehensive free labour movement, according to Canada's EU Ambassador Jonathan Wilkinson. Speaking ahead of an upcoming Canada-EU summit in Montreal, Wilkinson stated that the discussions are centered on more focused "specialized areas" where both Canada and the EU could benefit from accessing a shared labour pool.
This clarification comes as Canada and the EU prepare to announce a new agreement that is expected to cover various issues, including critical minerals, energy, and labour. While not advocating for an open border policy for workers, Wilkinson indicated that a "thoughtful way" is needed to facilitate movement for workers and students between the two jurisdictions. He mentioned that mutual accreditation for architects is an example of existing cooperation in labour mobility, and any future decisions would prioritize mutual benefit.
The ambassador also noted that Canada is considering joining Erasmus+, the European Union's prominent student exchange program, which would further enhance people-to-people connections and educational opportunities. Prime Minister Mark Carney has previously spoken of building a "much stronger and deeper security and economic partnership" with the EU, aiming for an "alliance of the future" that fosters prosperity and security. This new pact is intended to be unique, going beyond existing trade agreements like CETA, which has already seen significant growth in trade and services between Canada and the EU since its implementation.
