Canada and EU to discuss targeted labour mobility in upcoming transatlantic pact

Ahead of the Canada-EU summit in Montreal, ambassador Jonathan Wilkinson said the pending transatlantic pact will not create a blanket free-movement of labour between the two sides. Instead, discussions will target specialised areas where businesses could benefit from shared talent pools, with any changes to worker or student mobility approached cautiously. He cited existing cooperation such as mutual accreditation for architects and Canada’s interest in joining the EU’s Erasmus+ programme.

The broader agenda includes collaboration on critical minerals, clean energy and attracting European investment in Canadian projects. Wilkinson also noted momentum for broader ratification of CETA among EU members. Political shifts in Europe, such as a potential new French government, were said not to derail the partnership.