Canada's leader is Mark Carney.

He is the Prime Minister.

He welcomed a plan.

Canada could become the European Union's first associate member.

He spoke to the European Parliament on Thursday.

He said closer ties with Europe would protect Canada's markets.

He said it would protect Canada's sovereignty too.

He said no country should control Canada's open markets.

He said no country should hurt Canada's democracy.

He said no country should hurt the rule of law.

Canada's relationship with the United States is worse now.

President Trump made tariffs.

He asked for economic concessions.

He talked about making Canada the 51st state.

So Ottawa wants less dependence on its neighbor.

Canada sends about 70% of its exports to the United States.

So Trump's tariffs can hurt Canada a lot.

Ursula von der Leyen is the President of the European Commission.

She proposed the associate membership idea on Wednesday.

She said this status does not exist in EU treaties yet.

She said it would have to be created.

Carney said he welcomed the proposal.

But he said "associate membership" still needs to be defined.

He said he is not seeking full EU membership.

Carney proposed deeper cooperation.

He listed trade, defense, critical minerals, artificial intelligence, energy, space, research and financial services.

Lawmakers in Strasbourg gave him a standing ovation.

Carney will host EU leaders in Montreal on Oct. 29-30.

They will discuss the relationship more.

Trump suggested the arrangement could be a "hostile act."

He threatened heavy tariffs on Europe.

Carney said Canadians are united.

They reject outside attempts to dictate their choices.