Prime Minister Mark Carney arrived in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday seeking to strengthen economic ties between the two nations, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from human rights advocates. The visit aims to finalize a comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA) that could boost bilateral trade and investment, particularly in energy, technology, and infrastructure.
Trade Ambitions Amid Rights Scrutiny
Carney's delegation includes senior cabinet ministers and business leaders from sectors such as clean energy, artificial intelligence, and mining. The proposed CEPA is expected to reduce tariffs, enhance market access, and facilitate joint ventures. According to a government official, the agreement could increase Canada-Saudi trade by up to 15% within three years, building on the $8.2 billion in bilateral trade recorded in 2025.
However, the visit has reignited debate over Canada's stance on Saudi Arabia's human rights record. Opposition MPs and human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have urged Carney to raise cases of political prisoners, restrictions on women's rights, and the ongoing crackdown on dissent. "Canada must not prioritize trade over fundamental freedoms," said a spokesperson for Amnesty International Canada.
Carney Defends Engagement Strategy
Speaking to reporters on the tarmac in Riyadh, Carney defended his approach, stating that economic engagement creates channels for dialogue. "We believe that constructive engagement and open dialogue are the most effective ways to advance human rights," Carney said. He emphasized that the partnership would include provisions for labor rights and corporate social responsibility, and that Canada would continue to raise concerns privately and publicly.
The visit marks a significant shift from the previous government's more confrontational approach, which saw a diplomatic rift in 2018 over the arrest of activists. Carney's strategy echoes that of other Western leaders who have pursued economic deals with Saudi Arabia while navigating rights criticisms.
Key Areas of Cooperation
The economic partnership is expected to focus on several key areas:
- Energy Transition: Collaboration on hydrogen, carbon capture, and renewable energy projects, leveraging Canada's expertise in clean technology.
- Technology and AI: Joint research and investment in artificial intelligence, with Saudi Arabia's NEOM project as a potential partner.
- Mining and Minerals: Cooperation on critical minerals supply chains, essential for electric vehicle batteries and green energy.
Canadian companies have already signed memoranda of understanding worth an estimated $1.2 billion, including deals in mining technology and agri-food exports.
Criticism and Opposition Response
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre criticized the visit, accusing Carney of "turning a blind eye to human rights abuses for the sake of a photo op." The NDP's foreign affairs critic echoed these sentiments, demanding that Carney publicly condemn Saudi Arabia's record.
Protesters gathered outside the Canadian embassy in Riyadh, holding signs calling for the release of political prisoners. Meanwhile, inside the negotiations, Canadian officials said they raised specific cases, including that of imprisoned women's rights activist Loujain al-Hathloul.
Strategic Implications
The visit comes as Canada seeks to diversify its trade partners amid global uncertainties. Saudi Arabia, as the world's largest oil exporter and a G20 member, offers access to Middle Eastern markets and investment capital. For Saudi Arabia, the partnership aligns with its Vision 2030 plan to reduce oil dependence and attract foreign technology.
Despite the controversy, Carney's office confirmed that the prime minister will also meet with Saudi business leaders and visit cultural sites. The trip is scheduled to conclude on Friday, with a joint press conference expected.
