Canada Signs Turkey Pact Amid 50% Nuclear Deal Odds

Prime Minister Mark Carney concluded a visit to Turkey on Friday by signing a strategic partnership with President Recep Erdogan's government. The agreement aims to reduce Canada's reliance on the United States as a trading partner. Carney defended the move despite ongoing criticism regarding Turkey's human rights record.

The partnership was signed after a week of intense scrutiny. Turkish authorities recently conducted high-profile operations that critics say targeted opposition voices and independent journalism. These actions raised concerns about the country's democratic backslide. Carney described the Canadian approach as values-based realism, a framework that accepts partners may not share every Canadian value.

"Engagement in those partnerships does not mean approval," Carney told reporters. "There are very few countries in this world that have the standards of Canada." He noted that direct, open conversations with leaders are more effective than public reporting of every detail. Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand also raised human rights concerns with her Turkish counterpart during meetings on Thursday.

Economic interests drive the new relationship. Carney has prioritized diversifying trade away from the U.S. market, focusing previously on Europe and the Indo-Pacific. Turkey represents a new frontier for this strategy. During business meetings in Istanbul, Carney discussed the potential sale of Canadian nuclear technology to support Turkey's climate goals. He said there are good chances that AtkinsRealis, a Canadian engineering firm, will be selected to help build two planned power plants.

Carney also addressed a diplomatic dispute with Washington. The U.S. Embassy in Ottawa released a fact sheet on Thursday accusing Canadian leaders of meddling in the upcoming U.S. midterm elections. Carney dismissed the allegations as meritless. "I'm disappointed that their envoy sees that as his role to make these suggestions," he stated. He emphasized that Canada maintains a deep diplomatic presence in the U.S. and remains careful not to interfere in the American democratic process.

The strategic partnership marks a shift in Ottawa's foreign policy focus. While rights groups monitor the relationship closely, the government points to tangible economic gains. The potential nuclear contract represents a major opportunity for Canadian firms. Carney's team will now work to solidify these commercial ties while managing the diplomatic balance with both Ankara and Washington.