Canada seeks 'unique alliance' with EU, Carney says

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Sunday said he was pursuing unprecedented closeness with the European Union to reduce its dependence on its economically hostile neighbor , but not a membership with the bloc. "We're not looking to become a member of the European Union," Carney told reporters at the Toronto International Film Festival. "What we are looking — and will begin discussions for — is a unique ​alliance between Canada and the European Union," he said. "We share the same values, we have the same priorities and ​we have very complementary strengths." Carney's clarification came after a report by the Wall Street Journal claimed he was exploring whether Canada could become an "associate member" of the bloc.