Rise of far-right groups should not curb Canada’s bid for stronger ties with EU, ambassador says

The Globe and Mail · Ian Bailey · 2026-11-06 01:44 UTC

During a senate committee meeting, Jonathan Wilkinson faced questions about the success of far-right political groups in Germany and France

Canada’s ambassador to the European Union is playing down the rise of far-right groups in Europe amid Ottawa’s push for closer ties with the 27-member bloc.

“I think people need to be a bit cautious about getting overly concerned about some of the developments with respect to stronger parties on the right,” the ambassador, Jonathan Wilkinson, told the Senate committee on foreign affairs and international trade during a virtual appearance on Thursday.

During a recent summit in Montreal, Canada and the European Union committed to a closer association that would connect economies, defence industries and technology sectors, while falling short of full EU membership.

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