France President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Canada on Wednesday evening for a diplomatic visit focused on enhancing the French language’s presence and advancing discussions on artificial intelligence.
This marks Macron’s second trip to Canada, the first being in 2018 when he attended the G7 summit.
During this visit, Macron will engage in several high-level meetings with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, starting in the nation’s capital, Ottawa, and continuing in Montreal.
The statement from the French presidency released prior to the trip said, “Canada is an extremely close country, one of the closest outside the European Union.”
This underscores the deep connection between the two nations, especially as France seeks to strengthen cultural and economic ties with Canada.
One of Macron’s key agendas during the trip is promoting French language and culture across Canada, particularly beyond the Francophone heartland of Quebec.
With Montreal being home to a sizable French-speaking community of nearly 200,000 people, the city will serve as a significant stop for Macron’s efforts to bolster the French presence in the country.
In Ottawa, Macron and Trudeau will hold an official meeting followed by a lunch centered around AI.
The burgeoning tech sector in Canada is of particular interest to Macron as he prepares for an AI-focused summit set to take place in France next February.
The discussions are expected to explore Canada’s expertise in AI, especially given the country’s active role in the sector.
Macron will also use his visit to highlight investment opportunities in France, seeking to attract Canadian investors. The Elysee Palace noted that Macron intends to emphasize “the attractiveness of France” as a destination for Canadian capital.
Despite the focus on AI and language promotion, both Macron and Trudeau are facing political challenges at home. Macron recently lost a key legislative election, forcing him to navigate governance alongside a right-wing prime minister.
Trudeau, after nine years in power, narrowly survived a vote of no confidence on Wednesday, reflecting the declining popularity of his Liberal government.
Both leaders, once viewed as symbols of a new wave of young, dynamic politicians, now face significant hurdles in their respective political landscapes as they work to maintain their influence.
