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Carney heads to Turkey for 1st bilateral visit to deepen ties with NATO ally
Carney off to Turkey to deepen ties with NATO ally
Prime Minister Mark Carney is travelling to Turkey on Wednesday for a three-day trip that experts say should show how his approach to international diplomacy differs from that of the previous Liberal government.
Carney's office says this is the first official bilateral visit by a Canadian prime minister to Turkey. Carney met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Turkey earlier this year as part of the NATO summit.
The prime minister will land in Ankara early Thursday for a meeting with Erdogan before heading to Istanbul to meet with Turkish business leaders on Friday.
Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand and Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson will join Carney on the trip.
Senior government officials providing a background briefing to reporters ahead of the trip said Canada is seeking deeper political, economic and security ties with Turkey.
Carney's bid to diversify trade beyond the United States and find new global investors for Canadian infrastructure projects is well-suited to deeper ties with Turkey, said Kerim Uras, the former Turkish ambassador to Canada.
Both the Canadian and Turkish economies need alternatives to the increasingly protectionist U.S. market, Uras said in an interview. While neither country can replace the United States with any one partner, forging connections between middle powers should be part of the path forward, he said.
"One can summarize it like the Carney doctrine meets Turkish pragmatism," said Uras, now a senior fellow at Carleton University's Centre in Modern Turkish Studies.
Turkish contractors are used to doing work in periods of geopolitical turmoil, Uras said. The country sits at the crossroads between Europe and the Middle East, with the Russia-Ukraine conflict across the Black Sea to its north and southern and eastern borders with Syria, Iraq and Iran.
"I would describe Turkey as an island of stability today in a very troublesome neighbourhood," Uras said.
After Russia's 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Turkey brokered a deal with both nations to allow for grain exports, as the war threatened crucial food supplies for numerous developing countries.
Canada and Turkey have had formal diplomatic ties since 1944. The federal government estimates there are 76,000 members of the Turkish diaspora living in Canada.
Technical talks are underway on a Canada-Turkey free-trade agreement. Two-way trade between the nations totalled $4.3 billion in 2025, with Turkish exports to Canada accounting for the bulk of that.
Uras called that trade volume "peanuts" compared to the size of the two economies.
"With a little work, we could quadruple this very fast and I'm sure there is a mutual desire to do that," he said.
Senior government officials said Carney and Erdogan will highlight free trade and progress on other key files during the visit. They would not say whether there will be any formal announcements of any new deals from the leaders' meetings in Ankara.
Bessma Momani is a politics professor at the University of Waterloo and senior fellow at the Centre for International Governance Innovation. She said in an interview that Canada's relationship with Turkey has been "low stakes" to date, but there are reasons for Canada to pursue closer ties now.
While Turkey is an "industrial and consumer powerhouse," Momani said the country's reliance on Russia and Iran for energy is a source of weakness.
"I think their Achilles heel for them has always been energy. And that's something that Canada has something to potentially offer," she said.
When Anand hosted Turkish Foreign Affairs Minister Hakan Fidan in Canada in June, they toured the Darlington Nuclear Generating Station near Bowmanville, Ont.
Uras said Canadian engineering firm AtkinsRéalis — maker of the CANDU reactor in operation at Darlington — is one of the leading contenders to supply two planned nuclear power plants in Turkey.
A senior government official briefing reporters said Hodgson's presence on the trip speaks to the importance of energy projects in discussions with Turkey.
Beyond nuclear, Uras said Turkish contractors are keen on a variety of projects across Canada in industries such as critical minerals, shipping and construction. As NATO allies, Canada and Turkey also have opportunities to collaborate on defence spending, the former ambassador suggested.
Uras, who was Turkey's ambassador to Canada from 2018 to 2023, noted his time as envoy was characterized more by what couldn't be traded between the nations.
In 2019, Canada banned arms exports to Turkey in response to the country's military incursion into Syria. It expanded the ban after subsequent conflicts in the region showed Canadian-made technology, specifically drone parts, had been diverted to Azerbaijan. Canada lifted that ban in 2024 in the face of criticism from Armenian diaspora groups.
Uras said he doesn't expect any lingering issues around the arms embargo. Canada and Turkey "hit the reset button" when Carney came to power, he said.
The Erdogan government is under heavy scrutiny internationally right now over reports of official persecution of LGBTQ+ organizers in the country.
Human Rights Watch and independent experts at the United Nations have condemned co-ordinated police raids on LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations in Turkey in recent months.
Canada did not join Germany, France and others in a joint statement last month condemning the country's LGBTQ+ raids.
Government officials would not tell reporters whether Carney plans to raise the issue in private conversations with Erdogan.
One senior official called Canada's approach to international affairs principled and pragmatic and said Canada recognizes not all partners will share Canada's values.
Momani said as awful as Erdogan's LGBTQ+ raids are, Turkey is not the only country in the world sliding back from liberal values. She said she expects Carney will take an approach different from that of his predecessor Justin Trudeau.
"I just don't think the Carney government wants to make that a priority in the way that perhaps the Trudeau government was a little more willing to see foreign policy as a tool for moralizing their preferred social values," Momani said.
Carney has argued closed-door conversations on rights issues are more productive than “lecturing countries from afar.”
Uras agreed that "megaphone diplomacy" does not help bridge values between allies, but he said it could be a topic of conversation between the leaders.
"Instead of walking away from the table, talking about these behind closed doors at the table is a much healthier approach. I'm sure we can discuss anything together and we will listen to each other," he said.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 21, 2026.
— with files from Dylan Robertson
By Craig Lord | Copyright 2026, The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.
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This elevated boardwalk trail near Toronto leads through a vibrant gorge with turquoise water
It's a magical spot to explore in the fall.
Looking for a last-minute fall hike? This stunning boardwalk trail is just a road trip from Toronto, and it takes you past some pretty spectacular scenery.
Open until the end of October, the route follows a rushing river through a gorge and features several observation decks that bring you right to the water's edge.
Niagara's White Water Walk is an epic natural attraction located about an hour and a half from Toronto.
The experience takes you past the Niagara River's Class 6 whitewater rapids, which are some of the "wildest" in North America.
The adventure begins with an elevator ride, which takes you down 70 metres to the base of the Niagara Gorge. You'll follow a winding quarter-mile boardwalk that traces the shoreline of the powerful Niagara River.
Along the way, you'll be treated to views of the 410-million-year-old rock layers of the Niagara Gorge and the churning turquoise river. There are a number of viewing platforms branching off the boardwalk that bring you even closer to the Whirlpool Rapids.
The views are even more stunning when surrounded by vibrant shades of red and orange during the fall.
If you're looking for more autumn adventures, you can explore some of Niagara Park's other destinations, such as the Niagara Glen, which boasts 4 kilometres of trails through a Carolinian Forest.
Or wander around the Dufferin Islands, home to 10 kilometres of "paradise."
You can also head to attractions like the Niagara Whirlpool Aero Car, Niagara Parks Power Station, the Butterfly Conservatory, and, of course, Niagara Falls itself.
The White Water Walk is open until Sunday, November 1, so there's still time for a last-minute fall hike.
White Water Walk
Price: $21 per adult
When: Until November 1, 2026
Address: 4330 River Rd., Niagara Falls, ON
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Canada has a mini New England with storybook streets and magical fall colours
It's like something out of fall fairy tale. 🍂
If you've been dreaming of a fall getaway filled with charming seaside streets, historic buildings and tons of gorgeous scenery, you don't have to cross the border to find it.
Tucked away on Canada's East Coast, you can visit a picturesque little town with colourful houses, cozy restaurants and tons of charm that feels like something straight out of a New England postcard.
Set on the coast of New Brunswick, St. Andrews by-the-Sea is a charming seaside town and resort community nestled along the scenic Passamaquoddy Bay.
With its Acadian culture and its Georgian and Federal-style homes, the town may remind you of a small town in New England. It's also set right next to the state of Maine, and shares much of the same maritime charm.
It's even been called a "destination dupe" for New England by Fairstone, thanks to its "cobblestone streets, seaside charm and an old-world feel."
St. Andrews by-the-Sea was founded by United Empire Loyalists fleeing the American Revolution, and many of the town’s buildings still reflect that history today, with a collection of authenticated heritage buildings in town dating back to the 18th century.
While summer brings plenty of visitors to this seaside destination, autumn offers a different kind of magic, with cooler temperatures, seasonal colours and a quieter pace that makes visiting even more special.
St. Andrews is home to some of the region’s chicest shops, art galleries and cafes, many located along Water Street and the Wharf – the heart and central hub of the town. Grab a coffee, stroll through town, and pop into local businesses and boutiques.
During autumn, the surrounding trees add another layer of beauty, with golden leaves creating a picturesque backdrop for a leisurely stroll.
Being so close to the sea also provides tons of opportunities for things to do. As the gateway to the Bay of Fundy, Saint Andrews is home to some incredibly scenic views, the highest tides and many stunning beaches.
For fall colours, take the Van Horne Trail in town. The 7.7-kilometre loop trail follows an old railway line, passing through quiet woods and leading to a beautiful salt marsh, and makes for a great way to see the autumn foliage.
Another popular spot to visit is the Pendlebury Lighthouse. Constructed in 1833, the Pendlebury Lighthouse is the oldest remaining mainland lighthouse in the province and makes for a great photo op.
There are also a number of cute places to visit in the surrounding area. An hour from St. Andrews, you can visit some of New Brunswick's charming covered bridges, made all the more lovely when they're surrounded by fall foliage.
Visit the covered bridge over the Maguadavic River near Flume Ridge on Route 3 to find a beautiful fall scene. Covered bridges are known as "kissing bridges," so it's a great spot to visit with a loved one.
For an iconic place to stay, look no further than the Algonquin Resort, a seaside resort rich in history.
Operating since 1889 and set above the shores of the Bay of Fundy, the resort offers incredible dining, an on-site spa, and an award-winning golf course overlooking the coast.
The resort is even said to be haunted. Resident ghosts include the spirit of a young boy and a bellhop who still helps guests find their way around. You can hear more about the history of the resort and its hauntings on one of its ghost tours.
St. Andrews by-the-Sea is in southwestern New Brunswick, close to the Maine border, and makes for a lovely destination for a weekend escape.
You can spend your days browsing local shops, enjoying fresh seafood, exploring historic sites and taking in the coastal scenery.
With its historic streets, seaside views and autumn colours, St. Andrews by-the-Sea delivers all the charm of a New England getaway, without having to leave Canada.
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Tony Romo Proved He’s The Best Sports Commentator Last Night With His Hilarious 'Rocky' Quotes
If you're familiar with the Dallas Cowboys, then you're familiar with Tony Romo, it's just that simple. The former Dallas Cowboys quarterback has taken up several hobbies since his days on the field, including sports commentating! After lots of practice, "Tony Romo" and "sports commentator" have become something you can often hear in the same sentence and he was hitting an ultimate high last night.
Fans had a lot of good things to say about Romo's commentating skills last night, especially with him throwing in the enthusiastic Rocky reference.
We'll get to that later.
It's not uncommon to see former NFL players on the other side of the sports world once their career on the field comes to an end, but it is worth celebrating when they end up being great at it.
When you're as big of a legend as Romo is, you certainly have the upper hand.
Twitter user CoachTeixeira tweeted "Tony romo with the greatest commentary of all time!"
They followed up their claim with a line that Romo used during his commentary of the Texan game. "'It’s like watching Rocky when he’s getting punched over and over, he’s not losing he’s getting mad!'”
If there's an easy way to win people's hearts when it comes to commentating, it's quoting one of the greatest movies ever made.
Certainly, other factors play a role, such as voice, tone, and overall knowledge of the sport that's being broadcast.
Sports fans are a tough crowd to please, so sometimes even that isn't enough!
Twitter user aubreyybadger tweeted "Me listening to any other commentator vs. me listening to Tony Romo," with a hilarious dog meme below it.
The dog is clearly upset in the first photo, and blissful in the second.
Now that Romo has gotten such a great reaction from fans, his current free agent status may be changing very soon.
Rumors have it that ESPN is preparing a massive offer for Romo to leave CBS as an analyst and become the lead analyst for ESPN's "Monday Night Football."
It'd be silly for him to turn it down, so it's just a matter of time before he's back in the big leagues!
Like @DavidWysong_ tweeted above, "Every game is 100 times better when Tony Romo is commentating it."
You've got that right!