Poilievre says Canada will never be the ’28th state’ of the European Union
Advertisement
Read this article for free:
or
Already have an account? Log in here »
We need your support!
Local journalism needs your support!
As we navigate through unprecedented times, our journalists are working harder than ever to bring you the latest local updates to keep you safe and informed.
Now, more than ever, we need your support.
Starting at $15.99 plus taxes every four weeks you can access your Brandon Sun online and full access to all content as it appears on our website.
Subscribe Nowor call circulation directly at (204) 727-0527.
Your pledge helps to ensure we provide the news that matters most to your community!
To continue reading, please subscribe:
Add Brandon Sun access to your Free Press subscription for only an additional
$1 for the first 4 weeks*
- Enjoy unlimited reading on brandonsun.com
- Read the Brandon Sun E-Edition, our digital replica newspaper
*Your next Free Press subscription payment will increase by $1.00 and you will be charged $20.95 plus GST for four weeks. After four weeks, your payment will increase to $24.95 plus GST every four weeks.
Read unlimited articles for free today:
or
Already have an account? Log in here »
BRANTFORD – Pierre Poilievre is doubling down on his objection to Canada becoming an associate member of the European Union.
During a rally in Brantford, Ont., on Sunday, the Opposition Conservative leader said Canada will “never be the 28th state” of the EU.
His comments come as Prime Minister Mark Carney pursues deeper ties with Europe amid a trade war with the United States.
During a visit to the European Parliament last week, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said she wants Canada to become the first “associate member” of the EU.
Carney has said he welcomes von der Leyen’s ambitions for Canadian partnership but the nature of the new arrangement has yet to be determined.
Poilievre told a crowd of Conservative supporters on Sunday that Canada already has a free trade agreement with Europe and close defence ties with the continent through NATO, but he doesn’t support European taxes, laws and what he called “reckless European-style immigration” being brought to domestic shores.
He said last week that decisions for Canada “must not be made in Washington, Beijing or Brussels, but by Canadians here at home.”
Carney has said he’s interested in expanding a number of ties, including opportunities for young people, and an integrated market for financial services. The prime minister has also said the House of Commons will debate and vote on the partnership.
Back in Brantford, Poilievre also reiterated his criticism of Carney and the reigning Liberals on affordability as Canadians struggle with high housing and grocery costs. He promised more gas tax breaks and cuts to foreign aid and federal spending on consultants.
He also announced the Conservatives will put forward Brantford Mayor Kevin Davis as their nominee in the newly-vacated riding of Brantford-Brant South.
Former Conservative MP Larry Brock, who attended Sunday’s rally, held the seat for five years before resigning to rejoin the Crown attorney’s office. Brock is the seventh Conservative to leave the party since the last election, four of whom crossed the aisle to join the Liberals.
Some members of the audience jeered as Davis was announced as the nominee.
The mayor has had a rocky run in Brantford.
Davis won the city’s top job by a slim margin in 2022.
Roughly 200 votes separated him from second-place candidate Dave Wrobel.
Davis also said he would resign as mayor in 2024, telling the Brantford Expositor at the time that ongoing harassment was a factor in his decision.
He ultimately decided to stay on until the end of his term to avoid a costly byelection.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 20, 2026.
— with files from Catherine Morrison