Canada and France agree to collaborate on space infrastructure and business

Prime Minister Mark Carney and French President Emmanuel Macron pledged Sunday to collaborate on space infrastructure, business, and economic growth during a meeting in Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon, including developing shared satellite data reception facilities and launch systems. The leaders will task their space agencies and defence ministries to build common infrastructure, while also expanding a regional joint cooperation commission to focus on economic growth, energy transition, and climate resilience. Their chambers of commerce are expected to sign an agreement in the coming weeks to strengthen business ties. Macron voiced support for Canada's future involvement in the European Union and announced a new Canada-France Polar Research Forum. The visit comes amid heightened tensions with the United States and as Canada and the EU pursue a broader alliance, following European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's proposal for Canada to become an associate member.