Prime Minister Mark Carney will meet French President Emmanuel Macron Sept. 20 on the French territory of Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon off the coast of Newfoundland to discuss energy, defence, and technology partnerships, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) says.
The leaders will discuss aerospace, energy and critical minerals, and advanced technologies such as quantum, satellites, and supercomputing, the PMO says.
France, which is one of only two European countries with which Canada shares a border, traded $15.2 billion in goods with Canada in 2025. Canadian exports to France were valued at $5 billion, and imports at $10.2 billion, for the year.
The two countries have 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. They also cooperate on the promotion of the French language and culture through the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie, the release says.
“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,” Carney said. “In an uncertain world, President Macron and I understand the importance of this relationship.”
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The Wall Street Journal on Sept. 13 reported that Carney is interested in having Canada join the EU as an “associate member,” a new membership category that would need to be created, and that Macron is one of the EU leaders Carney has spoken to directly about the issue.
That proposal has drawn criticism from opposition members of Parliament and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre.
Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon, an archipelago of eight islands about 25 kilometres off the southern coast of the island of Newfoundland, is France’s only remaining territory in North America proper. It is also the last surviving vestige of New France outside its Caribbean holdings.
About 6,000 visa-exempt foreign nationals travel between Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon and Fortune, Newfoundland and Labrador, by ferry every year.
The update was made due to Canada finding that some people were trying to bypass Canada’s pre-arrival screening requirements by travelling by boat between Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon and Fortune.
“This change will not apply to passengers arriving by cruise ship, French citizens who are residents of Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon and who are travelling directly to Canada, or seafarers working on commercial vessels, such as fishing boats, when travelling by boat from Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon,” Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada said.
“US nationals and lawful permanent residents do not need an eTA [electronic travel authorization], either.” When entering Canada from Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon, they only need to provide a valid permanent resident card, also called the “green card,” or an equivalent valid proof of status in the United States.
