70% of Canadians Back EU ‘Associate Membership’ — But Support Softens Over Legal Changes

By Tahani Elghazaly
Published September 24, 2026

Latest news on WhatsApp أجدد الأخبار على واتساب

A new poll shows that seven in 10 Canadians support the idea of Canada becoming an “associate member” of the European Union, pointing to broad public interest in closer ties with Europe even though the exact shape and conditions of such a relationship have yet to be defined. The survey found 70% in favour, compared with 13% opposed and 18% who said they were unsure.

The results of the Leger poll, however, suggest that this support does not amount to unconditional acceptance of any future arrangement. When respondents were asked about the possibility that Canada might have to change some of its laws or regulations to align with EU rules, 30% said that would make them less likely to support an agreement, while 25% said it would make them more likely to support one.

By contrast, the more practical aspects of closer Canada-Europe ties received stronger backing. Support exceeded 60% in most provinces for giving Canadian businesses broader access to European markets while offering European companies similar opportunities in Canada. Manitoba and Saskatchewan were the exception, where support stood at 44%. The poll also found support above 50% for deeper defence cooperation and expanded opportunities for Canadians and Europeans to live, work and travel across the Atlantic.

Older Canadians recorded the highest level of support, at nearly 80%, while backing exceeded 70% in both Ontario and Quebec. Manitoba and Saskatchewan showed greater hesitation, with more than one-quarter of respondents opposing the idea and roughly another quarter saying they were unsure.

The poll comes about a week after European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen opened the door to Canada becoming the European Union’s first “associate member,” as part of a broader vision to move beyond the CETA free trade agreement toward what she described as an “alliance for the future,” encompassing areas including technology, advanced industries, defence, energy, critical minerals and economic security