Prime Minister Mark Carney, during a visit to Paris, declared that his concept of middle powers uniting against hegemons is gaining traction, as he outlined in a notable Davos speech earlier this year. He met with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace on Friday, where they announced a new general security of information agreement aimed at deepening defense ties and facilitating classified information exchange.
Carney stated that the idea is translating into concrete business-to-business and research arrangements. He described Canada's relationship with France as more than friendship, reiterating his belief that the international order will be rebuilt from Europe. He emphasized that Canada, France, and Europe are poised to be a powerful force for good in the coming century.
This Paris visit is part of a weeklong trip ending at the G7 Summit in Evian-Les-Bains, France, with a stop in Ireland. Macron holds the G7 presidency this year, following Carney's hosting in 2025 at Kananaskis, Alberta. Macron noted that France serves as a key bridge between Canada and Europe, sharing a common understanding of a fragmented international order marked by power politics, economic coercion, and information warfare.
The upcoming G7 summit agenda includes the Iran war and Strait of Hormuz blockage, support for Ukraine, regulation of artificial intelligence and social media, global trade imbalances with China, and critical mineral supply chains. Carney highlighted common security objectives around the Gulf and Ukraine, while acknowledging possible differing approaches on AI. He expressed anticipation for broader participation at the summit, including from Kenya and the UAE.
G7 members Canada, France, and the UK have introduced legislation to set age restrictions on social media. CEOs from major American tech firms are expected to attend the summit. Carney's strategy of building alliances among midsized powers, especially in Europe, is central to his effort to reduce Canadian dependence on the United States.
