In a more dangerous and divided world, Canada’s new government is building our strength at home and forging stronger partnerships with our partners abroad. France is one of Canada’s closest and longest-standing economic and security partners – and that partnership is reflected in our countries’ shared history, language, and culture. As Canada builds a dense web of new and strengthened connections, France is a natural partner in this mission.
To that end, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, announced today that he will travel to Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon, France, on September 20, 2026, to meet with the President of France, Emmanuel Macron. During the visit, Prime Minister Carney and President Macron will discuss deepening the Canada-France partnership in strategic sectors, including aerospace, energy and critical minerals, and advanced technologies such as quantum, satellites, and supercomputing.
At this pivotal time in history, Canada and France are strengthening our unique partnership to create greater security and prosperity for both our peoples.
Quote
“Canada and France share more than a border. We share a history, common values, and a resolute commitment to building a more secure and prosperous world. In an uncertain world, President Macron and I understand the importance of this relationship. We are working to deepen and expand it across AI, critical minerals, and energy, to the benefit of both our peoples.”
The Rt. Hon. Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada
Quick facts
Canada and France share a maritime border between Newfoundland and Labrador and Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon, a French overseas collectivity located approximately 25 kilometres off the coast of Newfoundland.
In 2025, bilateral merchandise trade between Canada and France totalled $15.2 billion, with Canadian exports to France valued at $5 billion and imports at $10.2 billion.
Bilateral trade between Canada and France has grown by nearly two-thirds over the past decade, and France is now Canada’s third-largest export market in the European Union.
Canada and France share a long-standing defence and security partnership, including as NATO Allies and partners in the European Union’s Security Action for Europe (SAFE) defence procurement initiative.
Canada and France are founding members of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie and work closely to promote the French language and cultural diversity. As Canada deepens its global partnerships, the French language and our cultural heritage remain at the heart of our identity and leadership, both at home and abroad.
Noah Note: This is the first time a PM has ever visited Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon, something I did not know until now. Neat. This also comes after the PMs trip over to France and the UK on the 15th to 17th, where he will attend the State of the European Union (EU) address in Strasbourg.
Maybe the French will finally pull their weight on Continental Defence (thats a joke my frenchy subscribers. I know youre a sensitive bunch at times.) and maybe we'll get some announcements. The expectation is that at least one defence announcement will be made at Strasbourg, but I expect it to be small.
We will see, but I am always gonna welcome these kinds of trips. They're important in their own right, and I feel France has been relagated to the side of recent discussions, despite the extensive presence of comoanies like Safran, Thales, and Airbus in Canada. The opportunities are immense, even if we don't always discuss them.
@Noah, there's a typo in the headline ("Main Content" from the presser got added to the title text).
"Prime Minister Carney to visit Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon to strengthen ties with France in energy and defence Main Content"