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Foreign Affairs

In question period, members asked about reports of closer ties between Canada and the European Union, including possible associate membership discussed after a summit in Montreal. Conservative members asked the government to guarantee that no Canadian tax dollars would go to the EU and that no EU laws, regulations or taxes would ever apply in Canada, pressing for a yes-or-no answer and saying the Prime Minister had not been clear about what associate membership would involve. The Liberal minister responding said Canada and the EU share values, priorities and strengths, that the two are exploring a deeper partnership or alliance, and that the government’s focus is on results for Canadians, opportunities for businesses and workers, and a stronger, independent economy, with details to be debated in the House once the government’s plan is clearer.Written by AI from the debate. Updated .

Official text

6 statements

Melissa Lantsman

Conservative

Linked statement

“Will the Prime Minister promise that no Canadian tax dollars will go to the European Union, and that no European Union laws will apply in Canada?”
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, will the Prime Minister confirm that no Canadian tax dollars will ever go to the European Union and that no EU laws and regulations will ever apply here in Canada?

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Mona Fortier

Liberal
“Canada and the European Union are working on ways to cooperate. We will keep talking with them. We can debate the details in the House once our plan is clearer.”
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, Canada and the European Union are currently working together to explore how we can continue to build Canada strong and how we can collaborate. We will continue to discuss this and exchange views. We will also be able to discuss it here in the House of Commons, once we have a clearer idea of what that collaboration will look like.

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Melissa Lantsman

Conservative
“I want a simple yes or no answer to my question. Will the government promise that no Canadian tax money will ever go to the European Union, and that no European Union laws will ever apply in Canada?”
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, the Liberals really know nothing. It was a very simple question. I am going to ask her again. Will she confirm that no Canadian tax dollars will ever go to the European Union and that no laws and regulations from the European Union will ever apply in Canada? It is a simple yes or no.

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Mona Fortier

Liberal
“Canada and the European Union share the same values and goals. We are building a closer alliance with them. This partnership will help Canadian businesses, grow our economy, and keep Canada strong and independent.”
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, Canada and the EU share values, priorities and strengths that create an opportunity for a deeper partnership. That is exactly what we are doing. We are taking this partnership to a new level through Canada’s move toward an alliance and looking together toward the future. Our focus is on delivering real results for Canadians, more opportunities for businesses, greater economic prosperity and stronger sovereignty. This alliance is built for people and the sovereignty of all Canadians.

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Pierre Paul-Hus

Conservative
“The Prime Minister has not been clear about what joining the European Union as an associate member means. Can he promise that Canadians will never pay money to the EU, and that Canada will never follow EU laws or taxes?”
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, since the summit in Montreal, the Prime Minister has remained remarkably vague about his vision of associate membership in the European Union. My question is very simple. Can the Prime Minister guarantee that Canadian taxpayers will never have to send money to the European Union and that Canada will never be subject to European taxes, laws or regulations?

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Mona Fortier

Liberal
“Canada and the European Union share the same values and priorities. We will keep working together because this partnership creates jobs, helps businesses, and makes our economy stronger and more independent.”
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, as I mentioned earlier, Canada and the European Union share values, priorities and strengths that enable us to strengthen our partnership. Our focus is on delivering concrete results for Canadians, creating more opportunities for businesses and workers, strengthening our economy and enhancing Canada’s independence. We will continue to work and collaborate to make this alliance a strength for Canada.

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