Canadians are ‘overwhelmingly open’ to closer EU ties as Carney heads to Europe: poll

Advertisement 1 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Breadcrumb Trail Links HomeNewsCanadaCanadian Politics Canadians are 'overwhelmingly open' to closer EU ties as Carney heads to Europe: poll The prime minister said on Sunday that Canada is seeking a 'unique alliance' with the EU Author of the article: By Ellie Hutchings Published Sep 14, 2026 Last updated 15 minutes ago 4 minute read Join the conversation Support for deeper cooperation with the European Union has grown among Canadians since February, according to a new survey. PHOTO BY FREDERICK FLORIN/AFP/GETTY IMAGES Article content Support for Canada deepening its relationship with Europe is growing, a new poll has found, as Prime Minister Mark Carney prepares to travel to Strasbourg, France, to strengthen ties with the European Union. Article content An Abacus Data survey, which was conducted from September 4 to 9, found that 80 per cent of Canadians say Canada should deepen strategic cooperation with the European Union on foreign policy, defence, and economic priorities — up six points since February. Article content Article content Article content The European Union itself is viewed positively by 71 per cent of Canadians, up five points since February, compared to 16 per cent who have a negative impression of it, which is unchanged from February. Article content EXCLUSIVE NEWSLETTER Political Hack Political Hack gets at what’s really going on behind the scenes on Parliament Hill. Wednesdays and Fridays. Subscribe Now See all of our newsletters Article content Elsewhere, 81 per cent support closer integration with the EU, including making it easier to trade, travel, work and study and to cooperate on security, while 56 per cent say Canada has more in common with the countries of the EU than with the United States. Just 16 per cent say Canada has more in common with the United States. Article content The survey found that support for Canada deepening strategic cooperation with the EU is broad, and crosses provincial boundaries. It reaches 84 per cent in British Columbia, 79 per cent in Alberta, 74 per cent in Saskatchewan and Manitoba, 80 per cent in Ontario, 82 per cent in Quebec, and 73 per cent in Atlantic Canada. Article content The partisan difference is more marked, but a majority across party affiliations are in support. Among Liberal voters, 92 per cent support deeper cooperation with the EU, as do 92 per cent of NDP voters and 86 per cent…