1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:03,000 Brussels Live Transcribed and translated by AI 2 00:00:01,150 --> 00:00:04,630 Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, good morning. 3 00:00:05,350 --> 00:00:09,491 My name is Éric Bédard. I am a partner at the law firm Fasken and I am here this 4 00:00:09,557 --> 00:00:14,742 morning in my capacity as a member of the board of directors of the CDR Institute to 5 00:00:14,813 --> 00:00:19,937 welcome you. Madam President, we are honoured to have you with us on the occasion of 6 00:00:20,001 --> 00:00:24,398 the Canada-European Union summit to hear your views on the future of this 7 00:00:24,449 --> 00:00:28,588 partnership. There could not be a better time for this conversation. 8 00:00:28,638 --> 00:00:35,801 But before I leave, let me say a few words about the CDR Institute. 9 00:00:35,882 --> 00:00:41,264 For nearly 70 years, the CDR Institute has had a mission to improve people's living 10 00:00:41,326 --> 00:00:46,797 standards in Canada through better public policies and produces independent, 11 00:00:46,895 --> 00:00:52,483 non-partisan, peer-reviewed research. This rigour and its reputation make it one of 12 00:00:52,524 --> 00:00:55,090 the most respected think tanks in Canada. 13 00:00:56,710 --> 00:01:01,025 It's influence is evident in the major debates that have shaped Canada, in the 14 00:01:01,083 --> 00:01:07,056 eighties, the Institute was at the heart of discussion on tackling inflation, and 15 00:01:07,136 --> 00:01:13,192 restoring sound public finances. Even today, its work on taxation, pension, and 16 00:01:13,270 --> 00:01:18,821 productivity continues to inform debate in Ottawa, Quebec, and all other provinces 17 00:01:18,908 --> 00:01:23,475 of Canada. The Institute has always placed international economic relations at the 18 00:01:23,530 --> 00:01:28,489 heart of its work, helping to shape the country's major trade decisions. 19 00:01:28,570 --> 00:01:33,362 From free trade with the United States to agreement with the European Union, which 20 00:01:33,420 --> 00:01:39,300 it recommended well before it was signed. Our prosperity depends in large part on 21 00:01:39,385 --> 00:01:44,870 international trade, and therefore on the strength of partnerships. 22 00:01:44,950 --> 00:01:50,841 And few partners are as natural as the European Union as we share values, we share 23 00:01:50,902 --> 00:01:53,650 history, and we share complementary economies. 24 00:01:54,490 --> 00:01:55,270 Madam President, 25 00:01:55,270 --> 00:01:58,569 we very much look forward to hearing from you shortly. 26 00:01:58,630 --> 00:02:04,480 I would like to warmly thank McGill University Max Bell School of Public Policy, our 27 00:02:04,550 --> 00:02:09,661 partner for this event, as well as the entire Institute team and I'm also proud to 28 00:02:09,716 --> 00:02:12,858 acknowledge the support of my firm Fasken. 29 00:02:13,030 --> 00:02:17,470 Without further ado, it's my pleasure to invite to the podium the President and CEO 30 00:02:17,530 --> 00:02:22,210 of the CDR Institute, ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Jeremy Cronic. 31 00:02:32,350 --> 00:02:34,450 Merci, Éric. Good morning, everyone. 32 00:02:34,630 --> 00:02:39,942 Hello everyone. President von der Leyen, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, 33 00:02:40,001 --> 00:02:41,650 welcome. Welcome to Montreal. 34 00:02:42,490 --> 00:02:45,850 It's an honor to host you at this special CDR Institute event in Montreal. 35 00:02:46,450 --> 00:02:49,330 It is an honour to welcome you to this very special event. 36 00:02:50,110 --> 00:02:52,750 It's a particular privilege to welcome the President of the European 37 00:02:52,990 --> 00:02:56,290 Commission, Madam President, thank you for being with us. 38 00:02:57,010 --> 00:03:00,405 Your presence ahead of the Canada-European Union Summit shows how much this 39 00:03:00,453 --> 00:03:04,859 relationship matters and underlines the opportunities that lie ahead. 40 00:03:04,930 --> 00:03:08,650 I'd like to thank our event sponsor, Fasken, and especially Éric Bédard, whose 41 00:03:08,690 --> 00:03:10,210 support made this morning possible. 42 00:03:11,050 --> 00:03:15,310 Many thanks to Fasken and to Éric Bédard, who made this meeting possible. 43 00:03:16,450 --> 00:03:20,602 I want to recognize Jonathan Wilkinson, Ambassador of Canada to the European Union, 44 00:03:20,655 --> 00:03:23,972 who's here with us today. I also want to highlight our partners in McGill 45 00:03:24,013 --> 00:03:27,974 University's Max Bell School of Public Policy and in particular Jennifer Welsh, 46 00:03:28,020 --> 00:03:31,270 Director of the School, and Pierre Boinvet, Chancellor of McGill. 47 00:03:31,750 --> 00:03:37,895 We are proud to work with an institution that shares our commitment to public debate 48 00:03:37,968 --> 00:03:39,670 and evidence-based policies. 49 00:03:40,810 --> 00:03:44,770 The CDR Institute is an independent, nonpartisan research institute; 50 00:03:44,950 --> 00:03:50,980 our mission is to improve the living standards of Canadians through economically 51 00:03:51,042 --> 00:03:52,450 sound public policies. 52 00:03:53,410 --> 00:03:57,935 For more than 65 years, we've brought together leaders from business, government, 53 00:03:57,998 --> 00:04:01,930 and academia to examine the issues shaping Canada's economic future. 54 00:04:02,050 --> 00:04:06,851 We believe rigorous analysis, open debate, and constructive engagement make for 55 00:04:06,904 --> 00:04:09,790 better public policy especially when the stakes are highest. 56 00:04:11,050 --> 00:04:15,903 Few relationships matter as much for the future of Canada as those we have with 57 00:04:15,964 --> 00:04:17,050 Europe. 58 00:04:17,050 --> 00:04:21,248 Many decades of trade, investment, and cooperation have given us a strong 59 00:04:21,310 --> 00:04:26,521 foundation, we share democratic values, our commitment to the rule of law, and a 60 00:04:26,571 --> 00:04:30,988 conviction that open, rules-based economic relationships can deliver lasting 61 00:04:31,056 --> 00:04:35,646 prosperity. But the world is changing: geopolitical tensions, uncertainty in global 62 00:04:35,697 --> 00:04:39,266 trade, and growing concerns about economic and national security are testing 63 00:04:39,316 --> 00:04:40,630 long-standing assumptions. 64 00:04:41,290 --> 00:04:47,277 And in this context, closer cooperation between Canada and Europe is more important 65 00:04:47,349 --> 00:04:48,549 than ever. 66 00:04:49,030 --> 00:04:53,293 Our economies complement one another. Canada offers abundant energy, critical 67 00:04:53,350 --> 00:04:58,033 minerals, and resources, along with substantial strength in emerging technologies, 68 00:04:58,090 --> 00:05:03,357 the European Union brings advanced manufacturing, technological expertise, and a 69 00:05:03,419 --> 00:05:08,480 market of 450 million people. These strengths create opportunities to diversify 70 00:05:08,530 --> 00:05:12,252 trade, attract investment, and build more resilient supply chains. 71 00:05:12,310 --> 00:05:16,570 The challenge now is to turn those strengths into results, more investment, greater 72 00:05:16,630 --> 00:05:20,960 trade, deeper cooperation on innovation and security, and a more ambitious economic 73 00:05:21,010 --> 00:05:24,790 partnership. And that's why this week's summit is so important. 74 00:05:25,090 --> 00:05:30,436 This summit is an opportunity to go beyond our shared foundations and set concrete 75 00:05:30,497 --> 00:05:31,930 priorities for the years ahead. 76 00:05:32,290 --> 00:05:36,190 à venir. At Montreal is a fitting place for these discussions. 77 00:05:36,370 --> 00:05:38,350 A city that has deep ties with Europe 78 00:05:38,470 --> 00:05:42,366 and where the CDR Institute itself began more than 65 years ago. 79 00:05:42,490 --> 00:05:47,416 It is also a hub of reflection and engagement on international affairs and a natural 80 00:05:47,470 --> 00:05:49,150 place for hosting heads of state and 81 00:05:49,270 --> 00:05:52,977 governments such as those represented by the International Relations Council of 82 00:05:53,021 --> 00:05:56,025 Montreal, which is represented here today. 83 00:05:56,069 --> 00:06:00,170 It now gives me great pleasure to introduce our guest of honour, Ursula von der 84 00:06:00,234 --> 00:06:00,670 Leyen, 85 00:06:00,670 --> 00:06:02,786 trained as a physician before entering politics. 86 00:06:02,830 --> 00:06:07,698 Her career began at the local and regional levels in Germany, from 2005 to 2019 she 87 00:06:07,774 --> 00:06:12,657 served in the German federal government, leading the ministry responsible for family 88 00:06:12,708 --> 00:06:17,630 and youth, labor, and defense. In 2019 she became the first woman to serve as 89 00:06:17,687 --> 00:06:21,359 President of the European Commission. Under her leadership the Commission has 90 00:06:21,397 --> 00:06:24,690 navigated some of Europe's most consequential recent challenges: 91 00:06:24,752 --> 00:06:28,846 the global pandemic, Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, and the resulting 92 00:06:28,930 --> 00:06:33,610 energy crisis. In July 2024 she was re-elected for a second term. 93 00:06:33,790 --> 00:06:38,642 His mandate aims to build a more competitive Europe, and a more independent one, to 94 00:06:38,699 --> 00:06:42,430 defend democracy and to strengthen European defence and security. 95 00:06:43,330 --> 00:06:47,315 Canada shares many of these priorities, particularly when it comes to economic 96 00:06:47,374 --> 00:06:49,330 competitiveness, trade, and security. 97 00:06:49,870 --> 00:06:54,262 Madam President, thank you again for being with us in Montreal at such an important 98 00:06:54,298 --> 00:06:55,150 moment. 99 00:06:55,150 --> 00:06:58,510 We look forward to hearing your vision for the future of the Canada-European Union 100 00:06:58,570 --> 00:07:02,022 relationship. So, ladies and gentlemen, please join me in welcoming the President of 101 00:07:02,065 --> 00:07:04,210 the European Commission, Madame Ursula von der Leyen. 102 00:07:14,470 --> 00:07:18,745 Thank you very much. Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. 103 00:07:18,790 --> 00:07:27,010 It's such an honor to be here at the historic Mount Royal Club, and let me start by 104 00:07:27,070 --> 00:07:33,782 thanking you, President Cronic, of the CDR Institute, for hosting us here today. 105 00:07:33,850 --> 00:07:39,215 I would also like to extend my gratitude to you, Director Welch of the Max Bell 106 00:07:39,285 --> 00:07:46,075 School of Public Policy, for organizing this event, and let me also thank Chancellor 107 00:07:46,150 --> 00:07:54,421 Pierre Biovain, Ambassador Jonathan Wilkinson, and Monsieur Éric Bédard. 108 00:07:54,730 --> 00:08:02,925 Ladies and gentlemen, the same year as this historic club was built, in 1906, a 109 00:08:03,019 --> 00:08:09,460 young Frenchman arrived in Canada to sell cognac. 110 00:08:09,730 --> 00:08:15,840 And he was struck by the sense of dynamism and possibility he found here. 111 00:08:16,150 --> 00:08:24,899 No one thought about limits. He later wrote, "No one knew where the frontier was." 112 00:08:25,030 --> 00:08:31,518 That young man was Jean Monnet, one of the founding fathers of the European Union, 113 00:08:31,649 --> 00:08:39,027 and that period in his life in Canada would influence the way he saw the world. 114 00:08:39,310 --> 00:08:44,798 And it could even be argued that it would later help to change the course of 115 00:08:44,890 --> 00:08:52,005 European history. Because it was here that Monnet discovered that people from 116 00:08:52,059 --> 00:08:59,065 different backgrounds and regions would cooperate, were interests aligned, or were 117 00:08:59,144 --> 00:09:07,290 the scale of a task required. It was also here that he learned to see how a society 118 00:09:07,390 --> 00:09:14,484 and markets build across borders, could also build prosperity, and links between 119 00:09:14,588 --> 00:09:22,072 people and nations. And it helped shape his later belief that Europeans could move 120 00:09:22,150 --> 00:09:29,544 past their old national rivalries. In the decades after his travels to Canada, he 121 00:09:29,606 --> 00:09:34,466 would live through the horrors of two world wars. 122 00:09:34,630 --> 00:09:42,753 But he would go on to imagine a radically new way for European nations to live and 123 00:09:42,884 --> 00:09:50,696 work together in peace. The frontiers would be different, but the spirit he found 124 00:09:50,768 --> 00:09:57,563 here in Canada—the willingness to move beyond familiar limits—would find a new 125 00:09:57,618 --> 00:10:03,133 expression in the European project. So it was the foundation of what we know today 126 00:10:03,230 --> 00:10:11,830 as the European Union. It is the same pioneering spirit we must embrace today. 127 00:10:11,950 --> 00:10:17,093 And I'm delighted as I've heard that we are joined today by students from the Centre 128 00:10:17,151 --> 00:10:18,550 Jean Monnet de Montréal, 129 00:10:19,690 --> 00:10:26,187 who are keeping that flame alive today, and I see the faces that are now full of 130 00:10:26,344 --> 00:10:32,650 glee who are the students among us. I'm delighted that we are joined here by you, 131 00:10:32,710 --> 00:10:35,923 because you are keeping that flame, as I said. 132 00:10:36,010 --> 00:10:45,224 Alive. Dear students, the years Jean Monnet spent as a young man across the Atlantic 133 00:10:45,310 --> 00:10:53,063 reshaped his sense of possibility. And we are following his footsteps, but it has 134 00:10:53,148 --> 00:11:01,582 become clear that there is much, much more that we can do together bilaterally. 135 00:11:01,750 --> 00:11:08,325 Canada and the European Union. Are two complementary systems. 136 00:11:08,410 --> 00:11:13,764 Of course Canada cannot become a full-fledged member of the European Union because 137 00:11:13,903 --> 00:11:20,389 of geography. But we both want to bring our relationship to the highest level 138 00:11:20,511 --> 00:11:28,713 possible. And this is why we're discussing the idea of Canada becoming the first 139 00:11:28,810 --> 00:11:35,410 associate member of the European Union. Our idea is simple. 140 00:11:35,530 --> 00:11:44,278 It is an accession— That we would not look at, but it is an association with 141 00:11:44,395 --> 00:11:51,438 out-accession. But we can replace accession with a common ambition and vision. 142 00:11:51,550 --> 00:11:57,048 We can build a partnership that comes closer to membership than anything we've done 143 00:11:57,184 --> 00:12:06,384 before. So how do we get there? First, it means closer alignment on policies. 144 00:12:06,550 --> 00:12:13,904 We can work on everything, from AI and climate to energy and security, you just name 145 00:12:13,993 --> 00:12:18,347 it. Second, it means closer alignment on governance. 146 00:12:18,430 --> 00:12:24,995 It means more work shared by the European Commission and the Canadian government, 147 00:12:25,083 --> 00:12:30,996 for example. The cooperation could also entail parliament to parliament, between our 148 00:12:31,104 --> 00:12:36,785 two parliaments. And court to court. And third. 149 00:12:36,850 --> 00:12:41,090 This means closer alignment on each other's programs. 150 00:12:41,170 --> 00:12:48,975 While Monnet made his journey in one direction, many have done the reverse and 151 00:12:49,036 --> 00:12:53,143 returned with new ways of seeing the world. 152 00:12:53,350 --> 00:13:01,288 Just. Think of the painter Emily Carr, whose time studying in France transformed her 153 00:13:01,454 --> 00:13:10,016 so much that she saw her native Canada in a completely new light of landscapes, that 154 00:13:10,090 --> 00:13:18,658 she's never seen before. Or take Dr. Joseph Ernest Gendreau, who studied under Marie 155 00:13:18,754 --> 00:13:24,391 Curie and came home to found Canada's first Center for Cancer Research and 156 00:13:24,439 --> 00:13:25,639 Treatment. 157 00:13:27,250 --> 00:13:32,935 Now, we should give the new generation the chance to make discoveries of their own. 158 00:13:33,010 --> 00:13:39,694 And this is why we will deepen Canada's engagement in Europe's Erasmus program, so 159 00:13:39,766 --> 00:13:46,699 that more young people have a chance to meet and learn from one another. 160 00:13:46,870 --> 00:13:51,869 We're also working to strengthen Canada's participation in the next generation of 161 00:13:51,998 --> 00:13:59,164 Horizon Europe, so that our most brilliant minds—researchers and scientists—can 162 00:13:59,290 --> 00:14:06,262 collaborate and innovate together. And we're working together on skills and 163 00:14:06,346 --> 00:14:11,807 qualifications. So that professionals can work more easily on both sides of the 164 00:14:11,902 --> 00:14:20,094 Atlantic. So that's, in a nutshell, and much, much more what associate member is all 165 00:14:20,268 --> 00:14:27,835 about. Open only to our closest partners outside of Europe, who are ready to open a 166 00:14:27,892 --> 00:14:34,164 new frontier together, and to chart the course together. 167 00:14:34,330 --> 00:14:39,592 To. Think beyond the terms of our partnership today, towards the most ambitious 168 00:14:39,670 --> 00:14:46,000 version of what we can build. And I must say I can think of no better partner than 169 00:14:46,088 --> 00:14:52,708 Canada, to embark exactly on this journey with us. 170 00:14:52,930 --> 00:15:00,056 Ladies and gentlemen, in the last weeks and months, many of us in this room here 171 00:15:00,130 --> 00:15:06,017 have been brought to reflect on the bonds between Europe and Canada. 172 00:15:06,130 --> 00:15:13,644 They. Is a beautiful story that encapsulates all of that shared history and 173 00:15:13,781 --> 00:15:21,150 friendship. Over 80 years ago, George Emerson was one of the many Canadian soldiers 174 00:15:21,280 --> 00:15:25,955 involved in the liberation of the Netherlands. 175 00:15:26,050 --> 00:15:32,182 He was posted in the Dutch town of Enschede at the end of the war. 176 00:15:32,590 --> 00:15:39,599 From there, he would witness thousands of released prisoners of war making their way 177 00:15:39,711 --> 00:15:50,415 home on foot. And one day, he spotted a young man who was so frail—so emaciated—he 178 00:15:50,500 --> 00:15:58,306 could barely walk. So he invited him into the house he was posted in to feed him and 179 00:15:58,414 --> 00:16:10,119 try to save his life. On parting, he. Was able to give the young man a lot of 180 00:16:10,241 --> 00:16:19,317 confidence. He did save his life, and the young man would go on his journey towards 181 00:16:19,443 --> 00:16:28,706 his home. And on parting, he was giving the young man—his name was Henk Metzeler—two 182 00:16:28,810 --> 00:16:37,758 bars of chocolate. Henk Metzeler—who survived, actually—spent the rest of his life 183 00:16:37,811 --> 00:16:39,250 wishing he could meet the Canadian 184 00:16:39,670 --> 00:16:44,695 soldier to thank him for saving his life. George. 185 00:16:44,770 --> 00:16:53,264 Emerson also asked himself whether. Henk had made it through the war alive. 186 00:16:53,530 --> 00:16:59,758 Well, it seemed destiny and a notion would keep the two men apart. 187 00:16:59,890 --> 00:17:07,181 Then one day, almost 70 years later, George Emerson entered the furniture store near 188 00:17:07,258 --> 00:17:13,674 Toronto to buy a new lounge chair. And he got talking to a saleswoman who he noticed 189 00:17:13,758 --> 00:17:19,210 was from a Dutch background. So he tells her the story of his encounter with a young 190 00:17:19,270 --> 00:17:26,410 man—the hungry young man in Enschede—the food, and the two chocolate bars. 191 00:17:26,530 --> 00:17:32,032 On hearing that story, the young lady burst into tears. 192 00:17:32,110 --> 00:17:40,365 Henk was her father. And it turns out he had been living in Toronto since the 1950s. 193 00:17:40,570 --> 00:17:45,827 George. Went to visit Henk in his nursing home on several occasions before he passed 194 00:17:45,907 --> 00:17:53,214 away. Each time bringing him a small bar of chocolate. 195 00:17:53,410 --> 00:17:59,813 Ladies and gentlemen, I think those small chocolate bars—this remarkable story of 196 00:17:59,903 --> 00:18:05,952 fate and destiny—capture something deeper about the friendship and the ties between 197 00:18:06,004 --> 00:18:17,069 Europe and Canada. Today, well over a century, after Monnet left Cognac for Canada, 198 00:18:17,170 --> 00:18:22,369 we are once again called upon to work on new frontiers together. 199 00:18:22,450 --> 00:18:26,886 Because the current moment in history calls for it. 200 00:18:27,070 --> 00:18:32,797 We are witnessing a deeper decay in international order, alliances and assumptions 201 00:18:32,846 --> 00:18:38,945 that have enabled our prosperity and security are changing rapidly. 202 00:18:39,070 --> 00:18:46,000 And each nation and region is looking at how to secure its own interests and its own 203 00:18:46,110 --> 00:18:52,088 independence. We can no longer let ourselves be shackled by the limits of the old 204 00:18:52,150 --> 00:19:00,704 world order. We know the risks here. But we also see a way forward, a new frontier. 205 00:19:00,790 --> 00:19:07,297 We need to imagine partnerships that are built on trust and driven by common 206 00:19:07,389 --> 00:19:14,236 interests and beliefs. As Mark Carney has said, the international orders will also 207 00:19:14,295 --> 00:19:18,938 be built from Europe, with Canada as part of it. 208 00:19:19,090 --> 00:19:23,740 End of quote. Our starting point is the same. 209 00:19:23,830 --> 00:19:30,366 In a world of growing rivalries, sovereignty and independence are no longer just the 210 00:19:30,432 --> 00:19:38,068 freedom to act alone, it is the capacity to act together. 211 00:19:38,230 --> 00:19:41,950 And this is why we will build an alliance for the future. 212 00:19:42,010 --> 00:19:48,892 And we start with Canada. Together, we want to create a common space for growth and 213 00:19:48,977 --> 00:19:54,012 prosperity, resilience, and economic security. 214 00:19:54,130 --> 00:19:59,868 And let me give you a few examples of what this means in practice. 215 00:20:00,070 --> 00:20:04,546 Take the issue of choke points and economic security. 216 00:20:04,810 --> 00:20:09,968 Global. Supply chains have made essential goods more accessible and affordable. 217 00:20:10,030 --> 00:20:17,908 So far, so good. But they also carry risks and choke points from one continent to 218 00:20:18,012 --> 00:20:25,030 the other. The ties of one single supplier—we once saw as guarantees of 219 00:20:25,126 --> 00:20:31,302 stability—are increasingly turned into instruments of pressure. 220 00:20:31,510 --> 00:20:37,874 Things. For example, of energy or semiconductors or critical raw materials. 221 00:20:37,990 --> 00:20:43,320 When trade becomes a tool of economic pressure, it's the families that pay the price 222 00:20:43,364 --> 00:20:47,952 from the supermarket shelf to the cost of a new car. 223 00:20:48,070 --> 00:20:53,367 We're seeing in real time our sovereignty being attacked. 224 00:20:53,470 --> 00:21:02,497 So we have two options here. To go it alone, to see this as a zero-sum game, where 225 00:21:02,570 --> 00:21:08,860 each country or economy focuses on building up its own leverage, its own 226 00:21:08,970 --> 00:21:17,185 capabilities, with the result that everyone feels less secure and more isolated, or. 227 00:21:17,290 --> 00:21:23,410 We can take a more strategic approach with trusted partners that face the same 228 00:21:23,493 --> 00:21:28,530 challenges, but have different assets to respond. 229 00:21:28,750 --> 00:21:36,474 And this is why the. European Union and Canada will build a single space for 230 00:21:36,550 --> 00:21:43,920 strategic supply chains in practice. This means joint or complementary investment, 231 00:21:43,984 --> 00:21:47,470 including private finances, on both sides. 232 00:21:47,590 --> 00:21:51,732 We will work on a project pipeline with investment banks, export banks, and 233 00:21:51,790 --> 00:21:58,219 infrastructure banks on both sides. And we want to ensure that companies can access 234 00:21:58,270 --> 00:22:05,934 opportunities in each other's markets. Or take the topic of critical raw materials. 235 00:22:06,010 --> 00:22:12,666 You mentioned it: Canada has rich resources, and deep mining expertise. 236 00:22:12,790 --> 00:22:16,769 Europe brings industrial demand, technology, and investment. 237 00:22:16,870 --> 00:22:21,084 So we are complementary across the whole value chain. 238 00:22:21,250 --> 00:22:25,530 From extracting minerals to processing them. 239 00:22:25,930 --> 00:22:34,227 From deploying advanced technologies and advanced materials to recycling them. 240 00:22:34,330 --> 00:22:38,234 And this is why we established our strategic partnership on raw materials, for 241 00:22:38,287 --> 00:22:39,487 example. 242 00:22:39,970 --> 00:22:44,359 And this example is showing by now already real results. 243 00:22:44,470 --> 00:22:51,387 Last year, imports of Canadian critical raw materials to the European Union jumped 244 00:22:51,488 --> 00:22:58,090 by 62% in value. That means reaching an impressive 3. 245 00:22:58,270 --> 00:23:04,970 3 billion euros, or that is 5. 18 billion Canadian dollars. 246 00:23:05,110 --> 00:23:09,210 This includes materials like lithium, cobalt, nickel, graphite. 247 00:23:09,310 --> 00:23:14,353 Materials we need for electric vehicles. For clean energy. 248 00:23:14,470 --> 00:23:20,668 For the industries of the future. And this is driving growth on both sides of the 249 00:23:20,841 --> 00:23:28,069 Atlantic. Or take. For example, CETA, our milestone-free trade agreement. 250 00:23:28,210 --> 00:23:32,962 Thanks to CETA bilateral trade has grown more than 80%. 251 00:23:33,070 --> 00:23:36,412 It has opened new doors for our businesses. 252 00:23:36,490 --> 00:23:41,761 From the French manufacturer winning new contracts in Canadian cities, to the family 253 00:23:41,830 --> 00:23:47,887 business in Ontario, that doubled its exports to Europe, for example. 254 00:23:48,010 --> 00:23:54,924 And we need to go further. Take artificial intelligence. 255 00:23:55,030 --> 00:24:01,634 Our industry's increasingly dependent on access to these technologies. 256 00:24:01,810 --> 00:24:10,315 And when that access rests on a few big companies, decisions taken elsewhere can put 257 00:24:10,382 --> 00:24:14,973 our businesses and essential services at risk. 258 00:24:15,130 --> 00:24:20,819 So this is also why we are teaming up, both Canada and Europe, believe, this 259 00:24:20,921 --> 00:24:26,496 technology should serve people. So we will work together to tackle head-on the 260 00:24:26,565 --> 00:24:33,012 safety and security issues of runaway AI. We will develop together rules and 261 00:24:33,070 --> 00:24:41,050 standards and strong global governance. We put human agency first. 262 00:24:41,350 --> 00:24:47,193 And. This will allow us to draw greater value from AI, to develop our own 263 00:24:47,264 --> 00:24:54,176 capabilities together, to invest in AI infrastructure, to bring our researchers 264 00:24:54,230 --> 00:25:01,516 together on joint projects, and to help our deep tech startups compete globally. 265 00:25:01,690 --> 00:25:08,510 Example, just last month, Germany's Aleph Alpha and Canada's Cohere announced a 266 00:25:08,632 --> 00:25:15,321 merger. To create a transatlantic sovereign AI company. 267 00:25:15,490 --> 00:25:20,136 So we are already seeing strong appetite for teaming up. 268 00:25:20,290 --> 00:25:25,670 And tomorrow we will finalize our agreement to bring Canada into Europe's 269 00:25:25,750 --> 00:25:31,396 infrastructure for supercomputing. Europe is home of some of the world's best 270 00:25:31,450 --> 00:25:37,145 supercomputers, we have 12 state-of-the-art supercomputers located across Europe, 271 00:25:37,231 --> 00:25:41,470 and Canada will now become part of this network. 272 00:25:42,670 --> 00:25:49,146 This enables Canadian industry, startups, researchers, not only to access European 273 00:25:49,199 --> 00:25:54,078 supercomputing, but to train their models on our supercomputers. 274 00:25:54,190 --> 00:26:02,039 And paired with Canada's pioneering AI industry, this would allow us to develop 275 00:26:02,117 --> 00:26:08,257 highly competitive, innovative, and safe AI systems. 276 00:26:08,530 --> 00:26:15,884 Ladies. And gentlemen, our. Common vision for the future depends also on our ability 277 00:26:15,980 --> 00:26:21,354 to secure our homelands and our neighborhoods. 278 00:26:21,490 --> 00:26:26,166 Our. Work on security is already a shared responsibility. 279 00:26:26,290 --> 00:26:31,781 Today, Canadian troops lead a multinational brigade, NATO brigade in Latvia, 280 00:26:31,870 --> 00:26:39,494 defending our eastern flank. Canada was the first non-European country to 281 00:26:39,555 --> 00:26:44,355 participate in SAFE, our joint defense procurement plan. 282 00:26:44,470 --> 00:26:51,036 And you have stood by our friends in Ukraine from the very start of Putin's war of 283 00:26:51,154 --> 00:26:57,684 aggression. I know that for many Canadians, this is deeply personal. 284 00:26:57,850 --> 00:27:01,544 More than a million Canadians have Ukrainian roots. 285 00:27:01,750 --> 00:27:08,249 And since 2022, you have welcomed hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians seeking 286 00:27:08,380 --> 00:27:13,866 safety. You have been our partner in working to support the return of Ukrainian 287 00:27:13,963 --> 00:27:22,920 children kidnapped by Russia. Canada knows all too well the human cost of this war. 288 00:27:23,050 --> 00:27:30,382 And Canada understands what is at stake. The right of people to live in peace, to 289 00:27:30,507 --> 00:27:36,928 decide their future freely, these are the principles we defend together in Ukraine, 290 00:27:37,006 --> 00:27:43,224 and they guide us wherever our shared security is at stake. 291 00:27:43,450 --> 00:27:49,465 This. Includes also the Arctic. Earlier this month, just two weeks after Europe's 292 00:27:49,518 --> 00:27:56,366 Copernicus satellite was launched, it sent back a striking image of the Canadian 293 00:27:56,483 --> 00:28:03,621 Arctic archipelago. Images like these help us understand how the Arctic landscape is 294 00:28:03,724 --> 00:28:09,813 changing. And as the ice retreats, new routes are opening. 295 00:28:09,910 --> 00:28:16,927 Competition is intensifying. And here, geography brings Europe and Canada together. 296 00:28:17,050 --> 00:28:23,361 So do our interests. The Arctic is also part of the European Union. 297 00:28:23,410 --> 00:28:27,250 Three of our member states are Arctic countries, and more than half a million 298 00:28:27,310 --> 00:28:34,450 European citizens live in the Arctic. So when we see Russia rebuilding its Arctic 299 00:28:34,541 --> 00:28:37,330 military footprint, pursuing hybrid 300 00:28:37,450 --> 00:28:44,940 strategy against its neighbors, reshaping the security of the Arctic, it impacts the 301 00:28:45,025 --> 00:28:51,069 European Union and Canada as a whole. We have to act and change our strategic 302 00:28:51,130 --> 00:28:57,184 posture. And together with like-minded partners, Canada and the European Union, 303 00:28:57,250 --> 00:29:03,645 stand up for these values. And this is why we're developing, for example, joint 304 00:29:03,686 --> 00:29:08,166 projects across the region, from everything you can think of, of ocean monitoring, 305 00:29:08,250 --> 00:29:15,573 critical raw materials, or, for example, connectivity for remote communities. 306 00:29:15,730 --> 00:29:21,786 Ladies and. Gentlemen, this is a moment of extraordinary opportunity. 307 00:29:21,910 --> 00:29:29,308 But it's also a difficult moment. On both sides of the Atlantic, our citizens feel 308 00:29:29,422 --> 00:29:37,364 the strain. Many fear the future. What it will mean for their livelihoods, their 309 00:29:37,479 --> 00:29:45,301 families, their communities, but difficult moments also show us who we are, what we 310 00:29:45,447 --> 00:29:55,113 stand for, and who stands with us. And I think of the lines of a beloved poet of 311 00:29:55,237 --> 00:30:02,279 Montréal, Leonard Cohen, he has said, "There's a crack in everything. 312 00:30:02,350 --> 00:30:11,990 That's how the light gets in." For me, this is a song about resilience, even in 313 00:30:12,099 --> 00:30:18,847 uncertainty, we can choose hope; we can choose courage; 314 00:30:18,970 --> 00:30:24,704 we can choose a new beginning. And therefore, long live Canada, long live Europe, 315 00:30:24,748 --> 00:30:26,710 and thank you very much for your attention. 316 00:30:42,550 --> 00:30:45,430 Thank you. I'll take my stuff. 317 00:30:56,170 --> 00:31:03,330 Madam President, my name is Jennifer Welsh, and on behalf of all of us here present, 318 00:31:03,423 --> 00:31:10,664 and in particular the Max Bell School of Public Policy at McGill University, I would 319 00:31:10,741 --> 00:31:13,930 like to thank you for joining us today. 320 00:31:15,010 --> 00:31:21,548 Thank you for providing your vision of not only those summit discussions, which 321 00:31:21,610 --> 00:31:27,413 begin today, but the future of the relationship between Canada and the European 322 00:31:27,482 --> 00:31:33,563 Union, and reminding us of the deep connections we've had for generations. 323 00:31:33,670 --> 00:31:38,941 The Max-Bel School is a teaching and research community that drives policy 324 00:31:39,019 --> 00:31:44,954 transformation, by sharing rigorous and independent analysis of society's toughest 325 00:31:45,032 --> 00:31:51,507 challenges, creating dynamic learning opportunities, and convening conversations 326 00:31:51,610 --> 00:32:00,704 that matter. Canada and the European Union are having a consequential conversation. 327 00:32:00,850 --> 00:32:08,530 A conversation about how to survive but also how to thrive in a new political 328 00:32:08,610 --> 00:32:16,477 context of geopolitical rivalry, growing protectionism, a digital arms race, an 329 00:32:16,580 --> 00:32:23,873 urgent energy transition, and attacks on the values and institutions of democratic 330 00:32:23,950 --> 00:32:25,150 governance. 331 00:32:25,750 --> 00:32:33,103 But this conversation is also reflected in actions, through the development of a 332 00:32:33,189 --> 00:32:41,088 roadmap that you have detailed here, on how to turn challenges into opportunities. 333 00:32:41,196 --> 00:32:49,855 This is about building shared prosperity and security for our populations and 334 00:32:49,954 --> 00:32:58,156 guaranteeing strategic autonomy that enables us to protect and uphold our democratic 335 00:32:58,248 --> 00:32:59,448 way of life. 336 00:33:01,210 --> 00:33:05,893 The agreement and action plan that Canada and the EU are creating is part of a 337 00:33:05,950 --> 00:33:12,930 strategic realignment, and the most effective strategies take time. 338 00:33:13,210 --> 00:33:21,233 Canadians sense and know this. Our country is making a fundamental pivot. 339 00:33:21,430 --> 00:33:26,954 The investments you and our Prime Minister are setting into motion this week will 340 00:33:27,022 --> 00:33:34,020 yield some crucial results right away, but many will unfold over time. 341 00:33:34,270 --> 00:33:40,048 That is why I believe your speech today and this summit is building and showcasing 342 00:33:40,095 --> 00:33:45,190 something else that is desperately needed, in this more unstable international 343 00:33:45,250 --> 00:33:53,917 environment. Friendship, amitié. A common refrain over the last few years is that we 344 00:33:53,978 --> 00:33:57,508 live in a world of transactional politics. 345 00:33:57,610 --> 00:34:02,688 Or deals. One gives something, one gets something. 346 00:34:02,770 --> 00:34:08,763 Sometimes under duress. Alliances are considered old-fashioned. 347 00:34:08,830 --> 00:34:15,600 For the weak. Today's speech and the relationship Canada and the EU are building 348 00:34:15,670 --> 00:34:22,236 demonstrate the precise opposite. Friendship, with those who are like-minded, those 349 00:34:22,287 --> 00:34:30,532 who share a commitment to work hard, over the long haul, together, is an incredibly 350 00:34:30,635 --> 00:34:32,110 valuable commodity. 351 00:34:33,490 --> 00:34:41,106 The friendship between Canada and the European Union is a precious asset for this 352 00:34:41,214 --> 00:34:42,670 decade and beyond. 353 00:34:43,990 --> 00:34:49,334 Madam President, as you've noted, there are McGill students and researchers here 354 00:34:49,402 --> 00:34:56,005 today who are excited and prepared to capitalize on that continuous 355 00:34:56,079 --> 00:35:01,630 friendship-building and the long-term co-investments that the EU and Canada will 356 00:35:01,690 --> 00:35:07,350 discuss over the next two days. It is they who will benefit from the opportunities 357 00:35:07,430 --> 00:35:13,033 to learn and study in our jurisdictions, and to form research collaborations that 358 00:35:13,090 --> 00:35:19,880 will deliver the kind of knowledge and innovation that the world's best universities 359 00:35:19,986 --> 00:35:26,251 can deliver. And that both Europe and Canada need for this 21st century. 360 00:35:26,350 --> 00:35:33,042 Our universities and yours are committed allies in the fight to preserve and 361 00:35:33,130 --> 00:35:39,861 continue building prosperous and dynamic democratic societies. 362 00:35:40,030 --> 00:35:46,600 Please know that in Canada's universities, and public policy schools, and especially 363 00:35:46,690 --> 00:35:53,590 in McGill and the Max-Bel School, the EU has a willing partner, a friend, to work 364 00:35:53,650 --> 00:35:56,975 with you in the coming months and years ahead. 365 00:35:57,070 --> 00:36:03,573 We wish you and your Canadian counterparts huge success in the summit, and we thank 366 00:36:03,640 --> 00:36:05,710 you all for joining us this morning. 367 00:36:06,250 --> 00:36:07,450 Thank you. 368 00:36:18,190 --> 00:36:19,390 Thank you, everyone.