Canada and the European Union are strengthening their strategic cooperation, with a focus on responsible digital transition, competitiveness, and job creation. Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry François-Philippe Champagne met with Margrethe Vestager, Executive Vice-President for A Europe Fit for the Digital Age and Commissioner for Competition, in Montréal to discuss key issues.
They attended the unveiling of the new Anyon MonarQ quantum computer at the École de technologie supérieure, highlighting the importance of investing in talent, research, and innovation to solve global challenges. The two leaders also participated in a fireside chat, discussing their close relationship, ongoing challenges, and ways to build fair marketplaces and deploy safe technologies. They emphasized the need for fair competition and responsible technology deployment, particularly in the digital age.
Strengthening Strategic Cooperation between Canada and the European Union
The meeting between Minister François-Philippe Champagne and Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager in Montréal marked a significant step towards strengthening strategic cooperation between Canada and the European Union. The two leaders discussed various topics of mutual interest, including competition, artificial intelligence, digital partnership, and research opportunities. This bilateral engagement is crucial for addressing global challenges and fostering economic growth.
The Canada-EU relationship is built on shared values, a long history of close cooperation, and strong people-to-people ties. Both parties share a similar vision to ensure a responsible digital transition, make their economies more competitive, and create new middle-class jobs. The meeting highlighted the importance of investing in talent, research, and innovation to solve some of the world’s greatest challenges and build a better future for everyone.
The discussion on artificial intelligence, economic security, and digital partnership is particularly significant, given the rapid pace of technological advancements and their potential impact on global economies. The Canada-EU Digital Partnership, concluded at the Canada–European Union Summit 2023, aims to address new challenges in digital transformation that affect research, industry, society, and the broader economy.
Fostering Innovation and Research Collaboration
The meeting between Minister Champagne and Executive Vice-President Vestager also emphasized the importance of innovation and research collaboration. The unveiling of the new Anyon MonarQ quantum computer at the École de technologie supérieure served as a testament to the potential of collaborative efforts in driving technological progress.
Canada and the European Union have a long history of cooperation in science and technology, with numerous joint initiatives and programs aimed at fostering innovation and research collaboration. The Horizon Europe program, for instance, provides a framework for EU-Canada cooperation on research and innovation.
The discussion on research opportunities highlighted the need for continued investment in talent, research, and innovation to drive economic growth and address global challenges. By working together, Canada and the European Union can leverage their collective strengths to develop innovative solutions that benefit everyone.
Ensuring Fair Competition and Responsible Technology Deployment
The meeting between Minister Champagne and Executive Vice-President Vestager also underscored the importance of ensuring fair competition and responsible technology deployment. The discussion on competition policy highlighted the need for a level playing field, where businesses can operate fairly and without undue advantage.
The rapid pace of technological advancements has raised concerns about the potential misuse of new technologies. The commitment to fair competition and responsible technology deployment is crucial for building trust in digital markets and ensuring that technological progress benefits everyone.
Building Stronger People-to-People Ties
The meeting between Minister Champagne and Executive Vice-President Vestager emphasized the importance of building stronger people-to-people ties between Canada and the European Union. The discussion on ongoing challenges on the global and domestic scene highlighted the need for continued cooperation to address common issues.
The fireside chat organized by the Montreal Council on Foreign Relations provided a platform for discussing the close Canada-EU relationship, as well as ways to work together to build fair marketplaces and deploy safe and responsible new technologies. The event underscored the importance of fostering greater understanding and cooperation between citizens of both regions.
Strengthening Economic Cooperation
The meeting between Minister Champagne and Executive Vice-President Vestager also highlighted the significance of strengthening economic cooperation between Canada and the European Union. The discussion on economic security emphasized the need for continued collaboration to address global challenges and foster economic growth.
The Canada-EU Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) has created significant new commercial opportunities for Canadian and EU businesses since its provisional entry into force in September 2017. The Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA) sets the framework for the political, foreign policy, and security relationship between both parties.
By working together, Canada and the European Union can leverage their collective strengths to drive economic growth, create new middle-class jobs, and build a better future for everyone.
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