Carney Inks Turkey Deal, Cites 50% Nuclear Odds

Prime Minister Mark Carney signed a strategic partnership with Turkey on Friday, finalizing a deal that he says helps Canada rely less on the United States for trade. He made the announcement during a visit to Ankara and Istanbul, where he also addressed rising tensions with Washington over election interference claims.

The agreement was reached with the government of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Carney stated there are good chances that the Canadian firm AtkinsRealis will be selected as a partner to build two nuclear power plants in Turkey. This potential deal supports Turkey's climate goals while giving Canada a major export opportunity.

Human rights groups have long criticized Erdogan's government. Concerns intensified this month after Turkish authorities conducted operations that critics say silenced opposition voices and restricted independent journalism. Carney defended his approach as values-based realism, noting that few nations match Canadian standards.

"Engagement in those partnerships does not mean approval," Carney said on Friday. "There are very few countries in this world that have the standards of Canada." He added that his government raises these issues directly with leaders.

Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand discussed human rights concerns with her Turkish counterpart on Thursday. When reporters asked if Carney personally raised the topic with Erdogan, he declined to share specific details. He said he prefers direct conversations because they are more effective than public reports.

Carney also addressed a formal accusation from the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa. On Thursday, the embassy released a fact sheet claiming Canadian leaders were meddling in the upcoming November 3 U.S. midterm elections. Carney called the claims meritless on Friday.

"I'm disappointed that their envoy sees that as his role to make these suggestions," he said. He emphasized that Canada maintains a deep diplomatic presence in the United States and is careful to avoid interfering in American democratic processes.