Brief
France praises Canada’s stance on US trade demands, urges stronger ties
French ambassador Hélène Farnaud-Defromont commended Prime Minister Mark Carney’s handling of US pressure and urged faster Europe‑Canada cooperation.
By Felo News Desk · Published
France’s new ambassador to Canada said her country admires Prime Minister Mark Carney’s response to what she described as “extremely radical” American demands and called for swift action to deepen strategic ties between Canada and Europe.
What happened
In an interview with The Canadian Press on Friday, Oct. 9, 2026, French Ambassador Hélène Farnaud‑Defromont said Canada’s calm and determined stance toward new U.S. trade demands earned admiration in Europe, especially in France. She noted that the Carney government halted trade talks with Washington in August after the Trump administration introduced last‑minute demands.
What the reports add
The ambassador highlighted that Canada also intends to protect language sovereignty and regulate big‑tech firms, positioning these moves as part of a broader defence against U.S. pressure. She contrasted Canada’s approach with the European Union’s handling of the same issues, noting that the EU accepted a U.S. deal imposing a 15 % tariff on many European goods but not on American products.
What was said
“The stance, which is both very calm and very determined, by Canadian leaders in the face of demands from the U.S. that are, after all, extremely radical is really an attitude that commands admiration in Europe and … in France in particular,” Farnaud‑Defromont told The Canadian Press.
How it came about
Carney’s decision to pause negotiations followed months of escalating tension with the Trump administration, which sought to impose new trade conditions. France, dealing with its own budget crisis and domestic unrest over education, sees Canada’s firm yet measured response as a model for European partners seeking to balance economic ties with the United States against sovereign interests.
Key facts
- France’s ambassador to Canada, Hélène Farnaud-Defromont, praised Canada’s response to US trade demands. (winnipegfreepress.com)
- Prime Minister Mark Carney halted trade talks with Washington in August 2026. (winnipegfreepress.com)
- The ambassador called for faster action to boost Canada‑Europe strategic ties. (winnipegfreepress.com)
- France criticized the EU’s acceptance of a US deal imposing a 15% tariff on many European goods. (winnipegfreepress.com)
Sources
- [1] winnipegfreepress.com — originally reported as “France's envoy says Carney admired for response to 'extremely radical' U. S.”
