Canada Signs Turkey Pact as Carney Defends Trade Balance

Prime Minister Mark Carney concluded a visit to Turkey on Friday after signing a strategic partnership with the government of President Recep Erdogan. The agreement formalizes a push to reduce Canada's reliance on the United States and expand trade links in regions where human rights records vary.

The deal comes amid heightened scrutiny of Turkey's domestic policies. This month, Turkish authorities conducted high-profile operations that critics say silenced opposition voices and suppressed independent journalism. Carney defended the government's strategy as "values-based realism," stating that "very few countries in this world have the standards of Canada." He emphasized that "engagement in those partnerships does not mean approval."

Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand raised human rights concerns with her Turkish counterpart during meetings on Thursday. When reporters asked if Carney personally discussed these issues with Erdogan, the Prime Minister said he prefers "direct and open" conversations that are not reported in detail. He confirmed the government had raised the issues during their talks.

The partnership includes discussions on nuclear technology. Carney told reporters there are "good chances" that Canadian engineering firm AtkinsRealis will be selected to build two power plants in Turkey. This potential sale aligns with Ankara's climate goals and represents a major export opportunity for Canadian firms.

Carney also addressed a dispute with Washington. The U.S. Embassy in Ottawa released a fact sheet on Thursday accusing Canadian leaders of meddling in the upcoming U.S. midterm elections. Carney dismissed the allegations on Friday, stating, "There is no merit to these claims." He expressed disappointment that the U.S. envoy viewed election interference as part of their role.

The Prime Minister noted that Canada maintains a deep diplomatic presence in the United States and frequent contact with American companies. He stressed that Canada is "very, very careful" to avoid interfering in the U.S. democratic process ahead of the November 3 vote.