Ottawa: Carney Signs Turkey Pact Amid Rights Debate

Prime Minister Mark Carney signed a strategic partnership with President Recep Erdogan's government on Friday, concluding a two-day visit to Turkey. The agreement formalizes ties between the two nations as Ottawa seeks to reduce its economic reliance on the United States. Carney defended the move, stating that working with partners who do not share all Canadian values is a necessary part of modern statecraft.

The signing took place against a backdrop of intense scrutiny. Human rights organizations have long criticized the Turkish government, and complaints intensified this month after authorities launched several high-profile operations. Critics argue these actions aimed to silence opposition voices, suppress independent journalism, and restrict marginalized groups.

Carney characterized his government's strategy as values-based realism. He argued that few nations match Canada's internal standards, implying that trade engagement should not be mistaken for a blanket endorsement of a partner's domestic policies. He told reporters, "Engagement in those partnerships does not mean approval. There are very few countries in this world that have the standards of Canada."

Diplomatic discussions preceded the signing. Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand raised human rights issues with her Turkish counterpart during meetings on Thursday. When asked if he personally discussed these concerns with Erdogan, Carney said he prefers direct, open conversations with leaders rather than detailed public reporting. He confirmed that the issues were raised during their private meeting.

The visit included economic talks in Istanbul where Carney met with business leaders. A key focus was the potential sale of Canadian nuclear technology to help Turkey meet its climate goals. Carney indicated there are good chances that the engineering firm AtkinsRealis will be selected as a partner for two planned power plants.

The prime minister also addressed diplomatic tensions with Washington. On Thursday, the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa released a fact sheet accusing Canadian leaders of meddling in the upcoming November 3 midterm elections. Carney rejected the claim on Friday, calling it meritless. He expressed disappointment that the U.S. envoy saw his role as making such suggestions, noting that Canada is careful to avoid the appearance of interfering in the American democratic process.

The partnership signing marks a concrete step in Ottawa's effort to diversify trade beyond Europe and the Indo-Pacific. While previous efforts focused on those regions, this agreement extends Canada's reach to a market with a complex rights record. The deal sits alongside similar recent engagements with Saudi Arabia, reflecting a shift toward strategic pragmatism in global trade policy.