Nuclear Deal: Carney Signs Turkey Pact

Prime Minister Mark Carney signed a strategic partnership agreement with Turkey on Friday, a move that opens the door to a potential contract for Canadian nuclear technology. The deal aims to reduce Canada's reliance on the United States and diversify its trading partners, following similar moves with Europe and the Indo-Pacific.

Carney stated there are "good chances" that AtkinsRealis, a Canadian engineering firm, will be selected to help build two power plants in Turkey. The project is part of Ankara's efforts to meet its climate goals. He noted that while the partnership is being finalized, the specific terms of the nuclear contract remain under discussion.

The agreement came as Carney defended his government's balance between trade and human rights. He described the approach as "values-based realism," arguing that engagement does not equate to approval. "There are very few countries in this world that have the standards of Canada," Carney said near the end of his visit.

Critics have intensified their scrutiny of the Turkish government under President Recep Erdogan. This month, authorities conducted high-profile operations that opposition groups say silenced voices and restricted marginalized groups. Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand raised these concerns with her Turkish counterpart on Thursday. Carney said he held direct conversations with Erdogan but declined to provide specific details.

"My approach on these issues is I have direct conversations with leaders," Carney said. "I find those conversations are more effective when they're direct and open and not then reported out in detail, but we have raised these issues."

Carney also addressed the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa's fact sheet released on Thursday, which accused Canadian leaders of meddling in the Nov. 3 midterm elections. He called the claims meritless and expressed disappointment that the U.S. envoy made the suggestion. "As a country Canada is very, very careful to not be seen to interfere in the democratic process," he said, citing the deep diplomatic and business ties between the two nations.