Prime Minister Mark Carney arrived in Istanbul on Friday, marking the first ever bilateral tour of Turkey by a Canadian head of government. After a two-day itinerary that included talks in Ankara, the two leaders announced a strategic partnership intended to deepen cooperation in energy, defence and broader trade. The announcement arrived against a backdrop of heightened tension in Ankara, where authorities have intensified actions against opposition voices and LGBTQ organisations since 2024. Carney’s team used the high-profile meetings to convey Canadian positions on a range of issues while signaling Canada’s intent to diversify its economic ties beyond the United States.
Canada raises LGBTQ concerns with Turkish officials
During a press briefing in Istanbul, Carney stated that his delegation had explicitly raised LGBTQ rights with senior Turkish officials. He emphasized that Ottawa’s willingness to engage in partnership does not translate into an endorsement of any domestic policies that conflict with Canadian values. Referring to his foreign-policy framework as values-based realism, Carney explained that Canada can discuss human-rights expectations while still pursuing mutually beneficial projects. The remarks came as Turkey has faced international criticism for a series of raids on LGBTQ groups and the imprisonment of activists since September.
Carney did not meet with local LGBTQ or human-rights organisations during his stay, a point noted by advocacy groups. Nevertheless, he highlighted that Canada’s own legal framework offers “very few countries in this world the standards of Canada,” asserting that the nation’s domestic record on freedom and equality provides a benchmark for diplomatic dialogue. By confronting senior officials directly, the prime minister signalled that Canada intends to keep the conversation on human dignity alive, even when the broader relationship is expanding.
New trade opportunities: nuclear reactors and defence cooperation
The strategic pact also opened the door for a potential sale of CANDU nuclear reactors to Turkey, a country that plans to add roughly 20 gigawatts of nuclear capacity by 2050. Carney indicated that the probability of a Canadian contract has risen markedly since he took office, describing the outlook as “good chances” compared with a “very low” prospect a year prior. Canadian nuclear-technology firm AtkinsRéalis confirmed it will conduct a feasibility study for a new CANDU plant at the Turkish port city of Sinop, framing the project as a chance to showcase Canadian expertise on an expanding international market.
Beyond energy, the agreement encompasses defence collaboration, technology exchange and broader commercial ties. Carney argued that widening such relationships bolsters Canadian sovereignty by reducing reliance on a single trade partner. He linked the diversification strategy to the protection of Canadian values at home, suggesting that stronger economic independence equips the country to better defend the rights of its own citizens, including the LGBTQ community.
Balancing geopolitical interests and democratic values
Turkey’s position as a NATO member and a key geostrategic bridge between Europe and Asia makes it a pivotal ally for Canada, especially amid ongoing instability in the Middle East, Ukraine and the South Caucasus. Critics, including the U.S. watchdog Freedom House, have labelled Ankara as “not free” on its civil-liberties index, citing constitutional changes and the imprisonment of dissenters. Carney rejected accusations that his meetings legitimize President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s domestic record, asserting that dialogue is essential for Canada to “be in the room” when international challenges arise. He reiterated that while Canada will continue to press for respect for Human Rights, engagement remains distinct from approval, aiming to influence outcomes through direct diplomatic channels.
