To advance these critical negotiations and catalyse expanded transatlantic partnerships across a full spectrum of connections in trade and security, the prime minister, Mark Carney, today announced that he is appointing John Hannaford as personal representative of the prime minister to the EU. This will give Canada’s defence industry broader access to the European market, creating higher-paying careers, growing Canadian companies, and bolstering our defence readiness. Dion recently informed the prime minister that he would be completing his diplomatic responsibilities in these roles by January 2026. “Canada is deepening our relationship with the European Union across trade, defence, energy, and commerce. Canada and the EU are moving ever closer to build greater certainty, security, and prosperity on both sides of the Atlantic,” said prime minister Carney.