Canada's trade minister targets a year-end India pact as negotiators prepare October talks

International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu said Canada is optimistic about concluding a comprehensive economic partnership agreement with India by the end of 2026. Indian negotiators are expected in Canada next month, with energy, nuclear cooperation and critical-mineral investment among the priorities. No agreement has been signed.

Why it matters

A completed pact could affect Canadian exporters, investors and energy and critical-mineral supply chains. It remains a negotiation, with tariff schedules, services access and an effective date still undisclosed.

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More important stories

Canada · Diplomacy & trade

2026.09.19 · 01:23 UTC

Carney proposes Canadian entry to Erasmus+ as broader EU framework remains undefined

In an address to the European Parliament, Mark Carney proposed Canadian participation in the EU's Erasmus+ student exchange and next-generation Horizon research programs. This is still a negotiating proposal, not approved membership, while the broader ‘associate member’ framework also remains undefined.

A successful negotiation could expand exchange and research opportunities for Canadian students and institutions. There is no new Erasmus+ eligibility yet and no new EU work, residence or free-movement right.

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Canada · Defence

2026.09.17 · 02:32 UTC

Canada formally applies to join UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force

Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced that Canada formally applied to join the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force. The application has been submitted, but Canada is not yet a member.

If admitted, Canada would deepen military cooperation in the Arctic, North Atlantic, Baltic and Northern European regions and broaden its European security partnerships beyond traditional North American defence frameworks.

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Editorial illustration of an Ontario police response on a street near a synagogue at dusk

Canada · Security / police investigation

2026.09.21 · 08:58 UTC

Police officer and man wounded in exchange of gunfire near Belleville synagogue

Ontario's Special Investigations Unit and Belleville police confirmed that an officer exchanged gunfire with a man near Bleecker and Victoria avenues at about 7:10 p.m. on September 20. Both were hospitalized, and the man had life-threatening injuries. Police said there was no ongoing public-safety threat.

The incident occurred on Yom Kippur near the Sons of Jacob Synagogue, but police have not determined that the synagogue or Jewish community was targeted. The motive, sequence of gunfire and officer's condition have not been fully disclosed.

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