"We welcome this ambition," he said, after name-checking the idea of von der Leyen, who was sitting in the audience. "Polling shows an overwhelming majority of Canadians support much closer ties."

Carney's list of potential tie-ups was an early attempt to put substance behind what, for now, remains a largely undefined political proposition.

The “associate member” idea had caused confusion on Wednesday because the Commission hadn't run it past European capitals in advance and no such status currently exists. Later on Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump said he might respond with “serious tariffs” if Canada were to become closer to the EU.

"An alliance for the future is a unique, positive approach that we will define together, building on our common strengths and based on shared values," Carney said.

In a press conference after the speech, Carney was asked if the Canadian people would have a say on associate membership. He said: “Of course. There will be debates, and there will be a vote in the Canadian parliament, but at this point, this is just the beginning of the process.”

Carney’s admission that there will be eventual votes in parliament on this “Alliance for the Future” with the EU seemed to suggest Canadian lawmakers will get a say in what the prime minister’s team is cooking. The House of Commons returns from summer break on Monday.