Macron to focus on French-Canada relations during Ottawa visit

French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Canada on Wednesday evening for a visit aimed at enhancing the role of the French language and exploring advancements in artificial intelligence.

This marks Macron’s second trip to Canada since attending the G7 summit in 2018. During his stay, he will engage in multiple discussions with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, first in Ottawa and then in Montreal.

According to the French presidency, Canada is considered one of France’s closest partners outside the European Union. Macron’s agenda includes promoting French culture and language across Canada, extending beyond the Francophone region of Quebec.

The visit will feature an official meeting with Trudeau in Ottawa, followed by a lunch focused on artificial intelligence and a joint press conference in Montreal, home to a vibrant French-speaking community of nearly 200,000 residents.

Given Canada’s active role in the AI sector, Macron is keen on strengthening ties ahead of an upcoming technology summit scheduled in France for February. He is also expected to highlight the appeal of France for Canadian investors during his discussions.

Both Macron and Trudeau represent a new wave of young leadership, but they are currently facing similar political challenges. Macron recently lost legislative elections and must now navigate a power-sharing arrangement with a right-leaning Prime Minister. Meanwhile, Trudeau narrowly avoided a vote of no confidence as his Liberal government’s popularity has declined after nine years in power.