Alberta’s chief electoral officer is suggesting in a letter to legislature Speaker Ric McIver that the province’s next general election should be held with the current electoral boundaries, or be postponed.

Gordon McClure says in the letter to McIver, which was shared by the Opposition NDP, that either way, Elections Alberta will get sufficient time to execute the provincial election, currently scheduled for Oct. 18, 2027, with integrity and safeguards in place.

McClure’s recommendations come ahead of a contentious report on new electoral boundaries being released next week.

“I urge all Members to consider the time required for implementation as deliberations concerning electoral boundaries proceed,” McClure said in the letter, which was dated Friday.

“A timely and definitive resolution, together with an appropriate contingency plan should additional time be required, is essential to protecting the readiness and successful delivery of Alberta’s next Provincial General Election.”

The letter is also addressed to Alberta MLAs.

McClure said there’s already friction over the new boundaries suggested in the forthcoming report, which has been put before an all-party legislative committee and is set to be tabled in the legislature on

Monday, and those disagreements could create delays.

He said a typical provincial vote requires up to 18 months of preparations, and the agency has been stretched thin in recent months, for reasons including the referendum on separation earlier this month.

The report was already the subject of a heated debate in the legislature this past week.

Opposition NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi said, after being briefed on it, that it gerrymanders ridings in two cities in southern Alberta — Lethbridge and Calgary.

Gerrymandering is a tactic that sees voting districts designed not to reflect geography or population patterns but to concentrate or fragment voters to benefit a particular political party.

Two members on the committee behind the report said the suggested ridings draw a line between rural and urban voters.

Recent provincial elections have seen the UCP dominate in rural areas and smaller cities, while the NDP has controlled Edmonton. The two have battled for advantage in Calgary.

Nenshi said if those boundaries are redrawn after passing a legislature vote, NDP support would dilute in favour of the UCP. He said his party would challenge the ridings in court on constitutional grounds.

The Constitution protects voters’ rights to effective representation.

Nenshi also said the report suggests the panel in charge of drafting new boundaries appeared to receive instructions from the government and wasn’t independent.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith accused Nenshi of questioning the integrity of judges, including Brian O’Ferrall, a former judge and the chair of the panel responsible for the redraw.

Smith also denied accusations from the NDP that her government is pulling strings to manipulate the vote in her favour.

She told Nenshi to quit complaining and begin campaigning.

A call for a new report and panel reviewing boundaries came after a previous bipartisan boundary commission was split in its recommendations after months of public consultations.

The justice minister’s office responded on Saturday that it is reviewing McClure’s letter and will have more to say once the review is complete.

The NDP remained vocal ahead ahead of the weekend.

“For months, the Alberta NDP Caucus has been warning against UCP attempts to violate the democratic rights of Albertans and bring in election maps only meant to deliver a win for the UCP in the next election no matter what voters want,” Nenshi said in a statement Friday.

“Now Elections Alberta says they just don’t have enough time to implement the UCP’s rigged map in time for the … fixed election date — a date already extended by Danielle Smith to give herself six more months in power.”

In 2024, Smith’s government moved the fixed election date every four years from May to October, in order to avoid clashing with major natural disasters like wildfires or floods.

—With files from Lisa Johnson and Jack Farrell

© 2026 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

Head coach Mike O’Shea is good with people feeling the Winnipeg Blue Bombers stole the East Division semifinal.

Dru Brown’s 23-yard TD pass to Nic Demski with 44 seconds remaining rallied Winnipeg past the Toronto Argonauts 25-22 on Saturday despite committing four turnovers. Brown then found Demski for the two-point convert.

“Yeah, if that’s how you want to frame it,” O’Shea said. “I think what’s really important about this one is that idea, that concept of throughout a course of a game one phase might not be rolling and it’s up to the other two phases to have their back.

“I thought this was a great example of that.”

Winnipeg will travel to Montreal for the East final next weekend. The Alouettes dispatched the Bombers 42-33 in last year’s division semifinal but the two teams split their ’26 season series 1-1

Toronto’s defence registered two interceptions and two fumble recoveries. With 2:07 remaining, the Argos chose to punt on third-and-one from their 45-yard line, giving Winnipeg possession at its 24 with 1:54 remaining.

“The defence did a great job forcing field goals and I think they’ll be disappointed,” O’Shea said. “I think they’re happy right now and then they’ll watch the film and say there’s a couple of times we were off the field and we kept them on.

“That’s the standard they hold themselves to.”

Ironically, Winnipeg’s game-winning march was set up by former Argo Thiadric Hansen’s recovery of Janarion Grant’s fumble on a punt return.

“Janarion Grant is a Hall of Fame returner and those things happen to Hall of Fame returners,” O’Shea said of Grant, a former Bomber. “Nobody, not even me, understands what it’s like to be running this way as fast as you can and having 12 guys running at you the opposite way as fast as they can.

“Knowing Janarion – he’s a great human being and great teammate – this will bug him but he’s one of the best that you guys have ever seen in this league.”

Brown was 18-of-30 passing for 206 yards with two TDs and two interceptions. He got the start after relieving starter Zach Collaros (ribs) in last week’s playoff-clinching 34-10 win over B.C.

“We’ve got a lot of guys that have played a lot of football in this league and know how funky it can get,” Brown said. “As long as you’re within striking distance you always have a chance.

“No one ever comes in with the intent to turn over the ball … but those things happen and if you shut down or get gun shy then that’s 1,000 per cent how you lose. You have to continue to shoot.”

Collaros was listed as questionable for Saturday’s game. O’Shea said he’ll wait until later next week to determine who’ll start in Montreal but praised Brown.

“His demeanour, how calm he is in the huddle, how prepared he is throughout the week allows him to throw that ball at the end of the game even though the game didn’t go the way he wanted up to that point,” O’Shea said. “That’s why a guy like that can be successful because he’s not going to lose his opportunity because of his emotions.”

Toronto head coach Mike Miller said he pondered gambling on third down but opted to punt after the officials moved the ball back, making it closer to two yards for the first down. Ultimately, though, Miller felt the Argos’ inability to score TDs off their forced turnovers was costly.

“Probably, ultimately the difference in the game,” said Miller, also Toronto’s offensive co-ordinator. “One more touchdown probably changes the whole dynamic there at the end.

“Gut punch? Sure. You’ve got to play all four quarters, you’ve got to play till the end with all three phases. It’s just unfortunate.”

Toronto starter Chad Kelly left with just over nine minutes remaining with an apparent right shoulder injury. Kelly finished 18-of-30 passing for 193 yards and a TD before a season-high 21,786 spectators at BMO Field on a gorgeous fall afternoon.

Nick Arbuckle completed two-of-six passes for 25 yards. Miller said while he didn’t know the full extent of Kelly’s injury he understood Kelly couldn’t return.

Lirim Hajrullahu’s 41-yard field goal at 2:37 gave Toronto a 22-17 lead.

Winnipeg is the 14th crossover team — all from the West — since the CFL adopted the format in 1996. Those teams have a 6-8 all-time record in the East playoffs, and none have reached the Grey Cup.

David Reese and Ontaria Wilson had Winnipeg’s touchdowns. Sergio Castillo added two converts and a field goal.

Tyler Kahmann scored Toronto’s touchdown. Hajrullahu booted the convert and five field goals.
Reese’s 52-yard fumble return TD at 14:22 of the third pulled Winnipeg to within 19-17. Defensive lineman Michael Fletcher knocked the ball from Kelly, who’d dropped back to pass.

It came after Winnipeg drove to the Toronto 31 before Tim White fumbled while being hit by Alex Teubner. Lemon had his second recovery, returning it 22 yards.

Hajrullahu had a 10-yard field goal at 5:38.

Toronto forced two interceptions and one fumble but only mustered three field goals for the 16-10 halftime lead.

Hajrullahu gave Toronto its six-point lead with a 28-yard field goal at 14:18 of the second quarter. It was set up by Lemon’s 23-yard return of Brown’s fumble off Soane Toia’s sack.

Hajrullahu’s 37-yard field goal at 12:40 put Toronto ahead 13-10 following Dathan Hickey’s interception at the Argos’ 16-yard line. Castillo had made it 10-10 with a 42-yard field goal at 6:48.

Hajrullahu’s 42-yard boot nine seconds in put Toronto ahead 10-7. It was set up by DaShaun Amos’ 19-yard interception return.

Kahmann’s 20-yard TD grab made it 7-7 at 12:48 of the first. Wilson’s sensational one-handed 32-yard TD grab at 2:54 opened the scoring.

© 2026 The Canadian Press

The U.S. Embassy in Moscow has issued an alert regarding a threat of a “mass casualty event” at the Tsaritsyno Museum Reserve in Moscow.

In a statement posted to its website, the embassy said the threat is “credible” and advised everyone to avoid the area and avoid crowds.

Global Affairs Canada (GAC) repeated the alert Saturday, warning against all travel to Russia as a result of the conflict with Ukraine and “risk of terrorism.”

“If you are in Russia, you should consider leaving the country by commercial means. If you remain in Russia, maintain a low profile. Canadians holding Russian citizenship may be subject to call-up for mandatory military service,” the GAC said.

The armed conflict with Ukraine has resulted in military activity within Russia’s borders. The GAC said attacks are most common near the Russian-Ukrainian border, notably in Bryansk, Kursk and Belgorod oblasts, and in the Black Sea region including Rostov Oblast and Krasnodar Krai.

Government buildings, schools, cultural venues, places of worship, airports and tourist attractions have also become the target of terrorist activity, they said.

Evacuees from Russia-occupied Oleshky crossed into Ukrainian-held territory Saturday as part of a major rescue operation carried out under a ceasefire in the southern Kherson region began early Tuesday.

© 2026 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

Demonstrators are rallying against pesticides with a “die-in” protest in Montreal.

Attendees, many in costume for Halloween, sought to drive home the message that “pesticides kill” with an event in front of Health Canada’s offices downtown on Saturday.

Participants lay on the ground in front of the Guy-Favreau complex as others dressed in white coveralls moved through the crowd pretending to spray pesticides.

Children were invited to trace chalk outlines of pretend victims, while organizers placed a cardboard coffin and tombstones in front of the building, each bearing the names of various diseases.

Thibault Rehn, executive director of Vigilance OGM, which helped organize the protest, says it was calling out “historic setbacks” by the federal government, particularly legislation passed in June that allows cabinet to override Health Canada and authorize the use of banned pesticides.

Similar protests in the province on Saturday were planned for Quebec City, Sherbrooke, Saguenay, Terrebonne, Blainville and Val-David as well as Ottawa.

© 2026 The Canadian Press

Four people are dead and two others are in hospital following a single-vehicle collision early Saturday morning south of Guelph, Ont.

Wellington OPP, fire and paramedic services responded to reports of the collision on Watson Road South between Maltby Road East and Wellington Road 34 shortly after 1:30 a.m. Saturday.

Details of the collision are sparse but police said six people were inside the vehicle at the time.

Four people were pronounced dead at the scene and the other two were transported to hospital with life-threatening injuries, police said.

As the investigation continues, Watson Road South remains closed.

© 2026 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — An aging NASA telescope is barely clinging to space after a failed rescue effort left it tottering lower and lower.

The U.S. Space Force predicts the Swift Observatory will come crashing down on or around Friday.

Most of the 1 1/2-ton telescope is expected to burn up in the atmosphere. But a handful of pieces made of denser-than-lead tungsten and some mirror parts could survive reentry, according to NASA’s Brad Cenko, the mission’s chief scientist.

Any surviving wreckage will most likely plunge into the ocean. But swaths of Africa, Australia, India, Southeast Asia, and Central and South America are within the reentry zone. The Space Force is tracking the telescope’s dwindling path.

Its cosmic cremation has the Swift team mourning yet full of gratitude for the observations the telescope made during its 22 years in orbit. Swift blasted off on Nov. 20, 2004, to search for some of the biggest explosions in the universe: gamma ray bursts and supernovas.

“We’ve known this day would come since before Swift was launched. At least in low-Earth orbit, what goes up must come down. And that end is catastrophic,” said Pennsylvania State University’s John Nousek, an astronomer who led the control team.

Intense solar activity over the past few years dragged Swift down faster than usual. NASA hired Katalyst Space a year ago to mount a rush rescue. But the company’s three-armed robot named Link ran into trouble after launching in July and got no closer than 7 miles to 9 miles (12 kilometers to 15 kilometers) to the telescope. Link plunged back to Earth in September.

Swift resumed observations once the rescue attempt was called off, discovering even more gamma ray bursts and other ultrahigh-energy events. But by late October, the telescope was too low to remain steady for observations, and its systems were shut down.

Its final tally: more than 2,000 gamma ray bursts and 1,400 exploding stars, not to mention a slew of comets, asteroids and star-shredding black holes. The telescope’s superpower was its ability to swivel swiftly — thus its name — toward erupting celestial events.

NASA considered Swift a first responder for the Hubble and Webb space telescopes and others that would follow its alerts and provide deeper investigations. Scientists are still figuring out how to fill the gap.

“Our fervent hope is that the lessons learned by the successes of Swift can be applied to new generations of space missions to accelerate our discoveries about the universe,” Nousek said in an email.

© 2026 The Canadian Press

CHERNIHIV REGION, Ukraine (AP) — Evacuees from Russian-occupied Oleshky crossed into Ukrainian-held territory Saturday in a major rescue operation carried out under the most significant truce since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine 4 1/2 years ago.

Evacuees, who traveled by bus and plane through Russia and Belarus, stepped off buses at the Ukrainian-Belarusian border where they reunited with family members, some wrapped in blue and yellow Ukrainian flags. Volunteers with hand-drawn welcome signs handed out coffee to the weary travelers.

One evacuee, Tetiana Leonidivna, 71, thanked the Ukrainian soldiers who helped her escape.

“We love them, we love them,” she said through tears. “We know that they are protecting us. And a deep bow to them, and a deep bow to their parents, for having such children. I am proud, I am simply proud.”

The ceasefire in Ukraine’s southern Kherson region began early Tuesday and is expected to continue through Sunday evening. The White House has said U.S. first lady Melania Trump helped to broker the localized deal, while Pope Leo XIV also pressed Russian and Ukrainian leaders to allow aid deliveries and civilian evacuations.

Relatives and volunteers with the Red Cross, Doctors Without Borders and World Central Kitchen welcomed the evacuees as they arrived at the border, ready to provide aid and food, including for their pets.

Holding a cigarette between shaking fingers, 48-year-old Ivan Yevhenovych described his last few months in Oleshky.

“It was very difficult. There were a lot of drones; it was hard to move around the streets,” he said. “Since spring, there hasn’t really been any staple food left. People had a little bit of their own reserves. We are thrifty people.”

He said people were being killed by landmines or drone strikes every day.

An estimated 2,000 people were still living in Oleshky when the temporary truce took hold. They were offered the choice of being evacuated to Ukrainian- or Russian-held territory, or remaining in the city with replenished food and medical supplies.

“Many people stayed behind and didn’t want to leave,” Yevhenovych said. “Some for their houses, some for their animals.”

Ukrainian authorities, seeking to protect those who remained and safeguard future humanitarian missions, have not said how many residents evacuated Oleshky and have restricted details of their route.

Melania Trump posted on social media Friday that the humanitarian convoy could safely evacuate more than 750 people.

Liza Paliy, 19, waited at the border for her father, whom she last saw more than 2 1/2 years earlier when she fled the occupied city with her mother and sister.

“We thought at that time that it would be a month, two maximum, and we would return, but unfortunately, two years have already passed,” she said.

Ukraine’s human rights ombudsman, Dmytro Lubinets, hailed the success of the humanitarian mission.

“This is an extremely important moment. Behind us are difficult negotiations, agreements, preparations, and an enormous amount of work. But most importantly, the people who waited so long to be rescued are finally safe,” he said in an online post.

Lubinets said evacuees ranged in age from just over a year old to 94, and they brought pets, including dogs, cats, a parrot and a raccoon. He said he hoped the Oleshky truce can be replicated elsewhere.

“This experience could form the basis of a new mechanism for responding to the most difficult humanitarian crises — one that always puts people, their safety, and their right to life at its center,” he said.

Some Oleshky evacuees who chose to move to Russian-occupied territory have been taken to a temporary shelter in Simferopol, said Yana Lantratova, Russia’s human rights commissioner. The city is in Ukraine’s Crimean Peninsula, which Moscow annexed in 2014.

“After everything they have endured and a long journey, it is essential for these people to rest, recover, and feel cared for. However, support should not be limited to just a roof over their heads and a hot meal,” she said in a social media post.

“There are many challenges ahead: replacing lost documents, medical treatment, arranging long-term housing, and reconnecting with family members. My office will assist in addressing these issues.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Saturday welcomed U.S. approval of Ukraine’s purchase of 500 PAC-3 Patriot interceptors but urged partners to also supply weapons from existing stocks, saying the newly authorized U.S. weapons could take years to arrive.

“Right now, the Russians are attacking our energy infrastructure every single day. In just these past two weeks of October, there have already been more than 30 Russian strikes on critical parts of our power grid,” Zelenskyy wrote on X.

The Trump administration said Friday that it had approved a proposed $2.1 billion sale of Patriot air defense interceptors, after Kyiv had accused the Pentagon of delaying deliveries of the vital munition needed to stop Russian ballistic missiles.

The State Department said 500 Patriot missiles would be purchased for Ukraine with donations from Canada, Germany and Norway through a U.S. program and that no American funds were involved.

Meanwhile, a Ukrainian drone attack killed a 30-year-old woman and a 41-year-old man in Russia’s western Bryansk region, local Gov. Yegor Kovalchuk said Saturday. Five others were wounded, he said.

Local officials also reported Ukrainian drone attacks in the Russian republic of Bashkortostan. Russian media outlets said there was a fire in the region’s capital, Ufa, home to several oil refineries.

The Russian Defense Ministry said Saturday its forces had shot down 433 Ukrainian drones overnight.

Zelenskyy said Moscow launched drone attacks on energy and railway infrastructure across Ukraine overnight, leaving 280,000 households in Dnipro and Kyiv regions without power.

The attacks targeted combined heat and power plants in Kyiv and Sumy regions, four electricity substations and a gas distribution facility in the Dnipro region and railway infrastructure in Dnipro and Kharkiv, he said, adding that repair crews were working to restore power.

Zelenskyy urged partners to impose further sanctions on Russia and provide new support packages to Ukraine.

“The world sees Russia targeting civilian infrastructure every day. Everyone who does not want to see this Russian escalation spread further into Europe must help Ukraine,” he said in an online post.
___
Associated Press journalists Dan Bashakov in Chernihiv Region, Ukraine; Susie Blann in Kyiv; and Katie Marie Davies in Manchester, England, contributed.

© 2026 The Canadian Press

Montreal police say an 18-year-old cyclist was fatally struck by a driver who fled the scene before emergency crews arrived.

Quebec’s police watchdog says the vehicle was reportedly being pursued by an unmarked provincial police patrol car just before the deadly hit-and-run.

The agency says early reports suggest police saw the vehicle committing a “possible violation” of road safety laws and tried to stop the driver, who fled and hit the cyclist.

Police say the collision occurred shortly before noon on Friday at the intersection of Henri-Bourassa Boulevard and Jeanne-Mance Street in Montreal’s Ahuntsic neighbourhood.

The cyclist was pronounced dead at the scene.

The province’s police investigations bureau, which probes incidents involving officers, has launched an investigation.

© 2026 The Canadian Press

The Curator independently decides what topics and products we feature. When you purchase an item through our links, we may earn a commission. Promotions and products are subject to availability and retailer terms.

As temperatures start to drop and windows stay closed more often, it’s a good time to think about the air circulating inside your home. Dust, pet dander, cooking odours and seasonal allergens can build up indoors, making air quality an important part of creating a comfortable home environment. That’s where air purifiers come in. Many modern models use HEPA filtration to capture small airborne particles, while features like CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate) can help you understand how quickly a purifier filters air in a room.

Instead of letting everyday particles and odours circulate through your space, an air purifier can continuously filter the air and help keep your home feeling fresher. Many trusted brands—from Coway, Shark, Dyson and more—offer models designed for everything from bedrooms and home offices to larger living spaces.

Before choosing one, it helps to know what features matter most. Here are a few key things to look for when buying an air purifier:

• Filtration system: Look for True HEPA filters that can capture very small particles like dust, pollen and pet dander.
• CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate): A higher CADR generally means the purifier can clean air more quickly. Look for a rating that suits the size of your room.
• Room size coverage: Make sure the purifier is rated for the square footage of the room where you plan to use it.
• Noise level: Quieter models are ideal for bedrooms, nurseries or offices.
• Air changes per hour (ACH): Higher air circulation means the purifier can filter the room’s air more frequently.
• Filter replacement & maintenance: Check how often filters need replacing and the cost of replacements.
• Energy efficiency: Energy-efficient models can run continuously without significantly increasing electricity use.
• Extra features: Options like smart controls, air quality sensors and sleep modes can add convenience.

With the right air purifier for your space, you can help reduce everyday airborne particles, odours and allergens while keeping your indoor air feeling fresher and cleaner.

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The Blueair Blue Pure 311i Max is a quiet yet powerful air purifier designed for medium rooms like bedrooms or living spaces. It runs at just 23–50 dB, making it whisper-quiet on low settings while still cleaning up to about 1,858 sq ft of air in an hour using HEPASilent filtration that captures 99.97% of particles down to 0.1 microns, including dust, smoke, pollen, and pet dander. It uses a replaceable HEPA and activated carbon filter (not reusable) that typically lasts 6–9 months, making it a great option for allergy sufferers, pet owners, or anyone who wants a quiet purifier for everyday air quality.[/product_listing]

 

Best for condos and small spaces

Ideal for bedrooms, nurseries, dorms, or home offices, this compact purifier delivers powerful air cleaning in a small package. The Shark NeverChange Compact Pro uses HEPA-Exceeding NanoSeal filtration to capture 99.98% of particles, including dust, pet dander, smoke, odours, and other airborne pollutants. With real-time air quality monitoring and a long-lasting filter that helps reduce replacement costs, it’s a great choice for anyone who wants cleaner air with minimal maintenance in smaller spaces.[/product_listing]

 

 

Best for larger spaces

The Coway Airmega 150 is built for large rooms and quietly cleans up to 1,035 sq ft in an hour with its HEPA, carbon, and washable pre-filters. The replaceable HEPA and carbon filters capture 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns, while the pre-filter is reusable, making maintenance simple. This makes it a strong choice for open‑concept living areas, large bedrooms, or family rooms where you want consistent airflow and cleaner air throughout.[/product_listing]

 

Best all-in-one air treatment system (purifier + humidifier + fan)

If you’re looking for one that does it all, the Dyson Purifier Humidify+Cool PH03 combines air purification, humidification, and cooling in a single sleek unit. Its HEPA and activated carbon filters capture 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns, including smoke, pollen, and gases, while the humidifier uses UV light to keep moisture hygienic. It’s perfect for bedrooms, living areas, or spaces affected by wildfire smoke where you want cleaner air and comfortable humidity.[/product_listing]

You may also like:

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Smart Car Air Freshener – $46.99

Mini Portable White Noise Machine – $24.99

 

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Looking for clean air without spending a fortune? The Levoit Core Mini-P quietly tackles dust, pet dander, smoke, and odours in spaces up to 255 sq ft, making it perfect for bedrooms, offices, or small apartments. Lightweight, compact, and easy to use with replaceable filters, it’s a tiny powerhouse that proves you don’t need to break the bank to breathe easier.[/product_listing]

 

Best smart air monitor

The Amazon Smart Air Quality Monitor helps users better understand and manage their indoor environment by tracking five key air quality factors: particulate matter (PM2.5), VOCs, carbon monoxide (CO), humidity, and temperature. It provides real-time air quality insights, alerts, and Alexa-enabled smart home automation, allowing users to identify potential air quality concerns and take action by connecting with compatible devices such as air purifiers, fans, and dehumidifiers.[/product_listing]

You may also like:

2 Pack 311i Max Replacement Filter – $55.79

Levoit Humidifier – $44.98

Shark® Rocket Cordless Upright Stick Vacuum Cleaner – $179.99

Airthings Wave Radon – $169.99

Bamboo Charcoal Bags Odour Absorber – Air Purifying For Closet Fridge Car Home – $5.39

© 2026 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

Prime Minister Mark Carney has laid out a timeline that would see Canada sign an agreement on a new partnership with the European Union in the next seven months, if all goes well.

Carney said Friday that Ottawa and Brussels are working toward the “deepest possible partnership short of accession” that would see Canada become “the European Union’s first associate member.”

He said in the coming months, the two sides will meet to “determine the full substance, scale and scope of this new form of membership.”

Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, championed the idea of associate membership in Strasbourg, France, last month. On Friday, she said she believes in building a partnership with Canada that “comes closer to membership than anything we’ve done before.”

Even though top EU officials are enthusiastic about closer ties with Canada, the talks won’t necessarily be a walk in the park. The European Union is far from politically united on the idea.

Achim Hurrelmann, co-director of the Centre for European Studies at Carleton University, said it could prove difficult to negotiate that status, especially in the short term.

“I’m not sure if a status with that name can be established for Canada any time soon,” he said.

“It seems that von der Leyen and Carney have decided to just press ahead with the use of this term and use the momentum that’s there on both sides for Canada-EU relations to make this a reality. But in the EU, that often can be quite difficult because once all of the member states get involved — we saw that in negotiating the summit declaration — then the entity is able to move only very slowly.”

Carney and EU officials met for a summit in Montreal on Thursday and Friday, where they agreed on a joint statement promoting what they called a “Canada-EU Alliance for the Future.”

The joint statement commits the two sides to working to “define by the 2027 EU-Canada Summit the concept of an ever-closer association of Canada to the EU, short of full membership itself.”

The 27-member bloc ultimately opted against including the term “associate member” in the joint statement. The phrase has seen some pushback from countries like Germany, which see it as a stepping-stone to permanent membership for countries like Ukraine.

EU debates are always complicated matters. In the coming months, major European countries will go to the polls for elections that could shake up the nature of those talks.

Spain’s general election is set for Nov. 29 and the French presidential elections go ahead in April. Poland will also go to the polls next year for parliamentary elections on Nov. 11.

Hurrelmann said the main challenge remains a lack of clarity on the term “associate membership” in Europe. He noted the language used by Canadian officials this week has been the “strongest embrace of associate membership” he’s seen by the Canadian side.

“It’s very clear that even if it’s associate membership … that it’s not just some kind of occasional political agreement, but something quite fundamental,” he said. “So I think the member states definitely will insist on their right to be heard on that.”

Carney said Friday he will meet with the EU presidents periodically to track progress, and Canada’s federal cabinet will meet in March with European cabinets in Canada.

The prime minister will then attend the European Council meetings in June, where the aim is to conclude negotiations. EU members would have to approve the resulting agreement, which would be put to a vote in the House of Commons as well.

Carney has said he’s not married to the term “associate member” and is more concerned about the outcomes from closer economic and defence ties.

“There is a case for an enhanced partnership status,” said Hurrelmann. “Maybe finding a different label will eventually do the trick, but that remains to be seen.”

The joint statement signed Friday calls for more industrial collaboration and supply chain integration and cites various joint projects. There are plans to create a new Canada-EU business council.

The Prime Minister’s Office said Canada and the European Union will in the coming months take their first steps toward a new transatlantic data cable and study how to increase liquefied natural gas exports to the European market.

— With files from Dylan Robertson

© 2026 The Canadian Press