Canada signs Turkey pact as Carney rejects U.S. election meddling claims

Prime Minister Mark Carney returned from a trip to Turkey on Friday with a newly signed strategic partnership and a firm rebuttal of U.S. election interference claims. The agreement with the government of President Recep Erdogan marks a key step in Canada's effort to diversify its trade relationships beyond North America.

The deal was signed during Carney's visit, which included political talks in Ankara on Thursday and business meetings in Istanbul. Turkish authorities have faced sustained criticism from human rights groups, which intensified this month after operations aimed at silencing opposition voices and restricting independent journalism. Despite this, Carney argued that Canada's approach reflects a realistic balance between values and economic necessity.

"Engagement in those partnerships does not mean approval," Carney said Friday. "There are very few countries in this world that have the standards of Canada." A statement from the Prime Minister's Office noted that Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand raised human rights concerns with her Turkish counterpart during Thursday's meetings. When pressed by journalists on whether he personally discussed these issues with Erdogan, Carney said he prefers direct and open conversations that are not reported in detail.

Carney's push to reduce reliance on the U.S. market has previously targeted Europe and the Indo-Pacific region. The strategy has also included partnerships with states with questionable rights records, such as recent dealings with Saudi Arabia. In Istanbul, Carney met with business leaders to explore specific opportunities, including the potential sale of Canadian nuclear technology to help Turkey meet its climate goals.

After the signing, Carney told reporters there are good chances that Canadian engineering firm AtkinsRealis will be selected to help build two planned power plants in Turkey. This potential contract represents a tangible outcome of the broader strategic dialogue between the two nations. The government views such engineering exports as a way to lock in long-term commercial ties while addressing environmental targets.

The prime minister also responded to a fact sheet released by the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa on Thursday. The document formally accused Canadian leaders of meddling in the upcoming November 3 midterm elections. Carney dismissed the allegations, stating there is no merit to the claims. He expressed disappointment that the U.S. envoy viewed making such suggestions as part of his role.

"As a country Canada is very, very careful to not be seen to interfere in the democratic process," Carney said. He noted that Canada maintains a deep diplomatic presence in the United States and frequent contact with American companies and citizens. The prime minister concluded that these normal interactions should not be mistaken for interference in another nation's political process.