The Honourable Karina Gould Minister of Democratic Institutions for Europe Day

Speech

Thank you.

[If not already acknowledged…

I would like to acknowledge that we are gathered on the traditional unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabe people.]

Good morning/afternoon!

[Acknowledge hosts and guests]

I am delighted to join you on this eve of Europe Day.

Prime Minister Trudeau has said of the example the EU’s commitment to collaboration has set for our world: “The EU is a truly remarkable achievement and an unprecedented model for peaceful cooperation. Canada knows that an effective European voice on the global stage is not just preferable, it is essential.”

Peaceful cooperation has also defined the relationship Canada and the European Union have developed and maintained – a relationship that continues to grow stronger and to make each of our nations stronger.

It is a relationship built not only on shared history but also on enduring commitments to the protection of democratic ideals, the defence of human rights and promotion internationally of multilateralism, the rule of law and freer trade.

It is a friendship strengthened by our determination to build diverse and inclusive societies, and to make gender equality a priority.

I cannot sufficiently stress the importance of maintaining our enduring relationship during these volatile times. The value of furthering a constructive dialogue between friends. Of sharing best practices to maintain peace and security. Of maintaining vigilance against cyber threats.

Of standing strong for democratic values amid the rising tide of populist disrupters.

In a world in which forces seek to divide, we are united.

This is an election year for Canada, as it is for a number of European countries and the EU as a whole. Elections embody the best of our democratic processes.

Yet, over the past decade, efforts to dim democracy’s beacon have escalated in scale, in scope and in sophistication. Malevolent campaigns to distort and polarize. To undermine faith in our democratic institutions.

It is imperative that we be fully prepared to repel threats that may emerge, and to protect and strengthen our democratic institutions.

A number of democracies in Europe and across the globe have weathered increasingly hostile attempts to disrupt and divide. Canada has watched and learned. We have taken action to put in place a comprehensive, whole-of-government approach to recognize, identify and respond to threats.

It is one of many things we have in common with our European allies.

Canada and the European Union enjoy a steadfast bond. The European Union’s relationship with Canada is the EU’s oldest formal relationship with an industrialized country. Canada and Europe signed the Agreement for Cooperation in the Peaceful Uses of Atomic Energy in 1959. The Framework Agreement for Commercial and Economic Cooperation was formalized in 1976.

Our relationship has continued to grow stronger.

Together, we established the Transatlantic Declaration in 1990. In 1996, the Joint Canada-EU Political Declaration and Action Plan outlined commitments to collaborate in a number of areas. The Canada-EU Partnership Agenda was agreed in 2004. In October 2016, collaborative bilateral dialogue between the EU-Canada Joint Ministerial Committee was furthered via the Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA).

And in September 2017, the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) provisionally came into force, creating new commercial opportunities for Canadian and EU businesses, and forging closer links between our economies.

We have signed a number of other sectoral agreements over the years, in areas such as education, customs, competition, veterinary issues, science, technology and nuclear matters.

Today, the EU represents Canada’s second largest trade and investment partner and is a natural ally on many foreign and security issues.

Moreover, the EU represents to Canada a trusted friend. In turbulent times, as hatemongers seek to tear down, let us celebrate what we have built up. Together.

Thank you. Merci.

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