Canada Signs Strategic Pact With Turkey Amid Rights Scrutiny

Canadian businesses and investors gained a new official pathway into the Turkish market on Friday as Prime Minister Mark Carney concluded a trip to Ankara. The signing of a strategic partnership with the government of President Recep Erdogan marks a concrete step in Ottawa’s effort to reduce economic reliance on the United States, even as human rights groups intensify their criticism of Ankara’s domestic policies.

Carney framed the agreement as an example of "values-based realism," a diplomatic approach that accepts partners may not share all Canadian ideals. "Engagement in those partnerships does not mean approval," Carney told reporters. "There are very few countries in this world that have the standards of Canada." This stance allows Ottawa to pursue commercial interests while maintaining a critical position on governance.

The signing comes amid heightened tension between the two capitals. Turkish authorities executed several high-profile operations earlier this month that critics say target opposition voices, independent journalism, and marginalized groups. Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand discussed these concerns with her Turkish counterpart on Thursday. When asked if he personally addressed the issues with Erdogan, Carney declined to provide specifics but stated that direct, open conversations are more effective than public reporting.

The economic dimension of the visit centered on diversifying Canada’s trade portfolio beyond North America. While previous efforts focused on Europe and the Indo-Pacific, this deal extends the strategy to a major Middle Eastern power. Carney noted that similar partnerships have been formed with other nations facing human rights questions, including Saudi Arabia. In Istanbul, he met with business leaders to discuss concrete opportunities, specifically the potential sale of Canadian nuclear technology to support Turkey’s climate goals.

One specific commercial prospect emerged from these talks. Carney indicated there are "good chances" that the Canadian engineering firm AtkinsRealis will be selected as a partner to build two power plants currently planned in Turkey. This potential contract represents a tangible benefit for Canadian firms seeking new revenue streams in a competitive global energy sector.

The visit also served as a platform for Carney to address diplomatic friction with Washington. On Thursday, the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa released a fact sheet accusing Canadian leaders of interfering in the upcoming November 3 U.S. midterm elections. Carney rejected the allegations, stating, "There is no merit to these claims, so I'll call it out that way." He added that Canada maintains a deep diplomatic presence in the U.S. and remains careful to avoid appearing to meddle in the American democratic process.

The strategic partnership signed in Ankara stands as a formalized framework for future cooperation, linking trade goals with direct high-level communication. It positions Canada to pursue economic growth in Turkey while continuing to voice its distinct values-based perspective through private diplomatic channels.