Sidhu has been charged with expanding Canada’s trade with Europe and other countries beyond the U.S., leaving the task of managing relations with Washington to Canada-U.S. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc.
Sidhu’s expected role is the latest sign that ties between Brussels and Ottawa are deepening. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is due in Strasbourg Sept. 16-17 to attend European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s landmark State of the Union speech. He will also address the European Parliament.
Maroš Šefčovič, the EU’s trade chief, also spoke with his Canadian counterpart earlier this week as the two sides look to reach a deal on digital trade. “Canada, for us, is a clear example that this [free-trade agreement] works, if it is well negotiated, that it is good for both partners,” he said.
The informal meeting of EU trade ministers is being organized by the Irish presidency of the Council of the EU and will take place in Dublin Oct. 22-23. It is expected to cover the bloc’s trade relations with “major partners,” according to the agenda.
Camille Gijs and Max Griera reported from Brussels. Zi-Ann Lum reported from Toronto. Stefanie Bolzen reported from Washington.