\n\tOttawa: Prime Minister of Canada Mark Carney announced former cabinet minister Jonathan Wilkinson as Canada\u2019s next ambassador to the European Union, on Thursday.<\/p>\n
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\n\t\tCarney said the appointment is intended to advance Canada\u2019s economic and security cooperation with the EU, following a series of initiatives aimed at expanding bilateral engagement.<\/p>\n
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\n\t\t“This decision is not easy.” “The world has changed in fundamental ways, and Canada now faces new economic, geopolitical and environmental tests,”\u00a0Wilkinson said in a letter posted online.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\n\tOver the past year, Canada and the EU have launched new frameworks, including a strategic partnership focused on trade, technology, energy and security, the government said in a statement.<\/p>\n
\n\tIn February, Canada joined the EU\u2019s Security Action for Europe (SAFE) initiative, a programme designed to expand defence cooperation and industry access among participating countries.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\n\t\tCarney is also scheduled to attend the 8th European Political Community Summit in Yerevan, Armenia, marking Canada\u2019s first participation in the forum and the first time a non-European leader has been invited.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\n\tWilkinson, a member of Parliament representing North Vancouver, Capilano, has held several senior cabinet positions, including minister of fisheries and oceans, environment and climate change, and energy and natural resources.<\/p>\n
\n\tBefore entering politics, he worked in the clean technology sector and held executive roles in multiple companies.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\n\t\tAccording to a statement, Wilkinson will work with John Hannaford, the prime minister\u2019s personal representative to the EU, in advancing Canada\u2019s priorities in the region.<\/p>\n
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\n\tWilkinson is expected to assume the role in early summer.<\/p>\n
\n\tThe prime minister also acknowledged the service of St\u00e9phane Dion, who served as Canada\u2019s special envoy to the EU and Europe.<\/p>\n
\n\tAccording to government data, Canada-EU trade in goods and services totalled $178.6 billion in 2025.<\/p>\n
\n\tCanadian direct investment in the EU reached $297 billion in 2024, supporting an estimated 275,000 jobs across member states. Bilateral merchandise trade has increased by more than 77% since 2016.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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