EU chief Ursula von der Leyen says she wants Canada to become the bloc's 1st associate member. "This is a partnership not against anyone else, but for our common strength," she said. "In short, we want to bring the relationship with Canada to the highest level possible." von der Leyen said during her State of the Union address. Canadian PM Mark Carney is set to deliver a speech to the EU Parliament on Thursday.

"We're not looking to become a member of the European Union," Carney said Sunday evening on the red carpet of the Toronto International Film Festival. "What we are looking — and will begin discussions for — [is] a unique alliance with the European Union. We share the same values, we have the same priorities and we have very complementary strengths."