Poll Shows 70 Percent of Canadians Support EU Associate Membership

A Leger poll conducted between September 19 and 21, 2026, reveals that 70 percent of Canadians support Canada becoming an associate member of the European Union. This public support follows recent moves by Mark Carney, the Prime Minister of Canada, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to open formal negotiations for the partnership.

Addressing the European Parliament, Carney welcomed the ambition for closer ties and proposed deeper cooperation in defense, artificial intelligence, energy security, and critical minerals. He also advocated for an integrated financial services market and increased mobility for youth. While support is strongest among seniors and residents of Ontario and Quebec, opposition is more pronounced in Manitoba and Saskatchewan, likely due to historical agricultural trade barriers.

Despite the general support for the partnership, the poll indicates that Canadians generally oppose changing domestic laws to align with EU standards. Andrew Enns, Executive Vice-President for Central Canada at Leger, noted that younger demographics view the move as an opportunity to diversify Canada's reliance away from the United States.

Further details regarding the associate membership are expected at a Canada-EU summit scheduled for next month in Montreal.