Canadians Show Strong Backing for Deeper Ties with the European Union

A recent Abacus Data poll of 1,479 Canadian adults indicates that 80% of Canadians want Canada to deepen strategic cooperation with the European Union on foreign policy, defence and economic priorities, marking a six-point increase since February. The EU is viewed positively by 71% of respondents, unchanged at 16% negative. Broad provincial support is evident, ranging from 84% in British Columbia to 73% in Atlantic Canada, and majorities across party affiliations, including 92% of Liberal and NDP voters.

The survey precedes Prime Minister Mark Carney's trip to Strasbourg, where he will address the European Parliament and meet EU leaders. While nearly half of Canadians would back Canada becoming an EU member state, a sizable minority remains opposed or undecided. The poll also reveals growing concern about Canada's reliance on the United States, with 39% citing it as a major worry.