Canada needs to become more aligned with the European market at a time when U.S. tariffs pose a real challenge to the country’s economy.

That was the message from Mélanie Joly, Canada’s federal minister of industry, at the Conference of Montreal on Monday.

Joly wants Canada to double its exports to Europe.

“Europe’s needs in terms of aluminum are massive as we’re developing even more defence production and that is something that we want to work together,” said Joly, who is also the minister of Canadian economic development for Quebec regions.

“I think also that we can do even more in terms of aerospace. And we know that Quebec is a hub, but also Canada is a hub for aerospace.”

Added François-Philippe Champagne, the federal finance and national revenue minister: “We have historical ties with Europe. CETA (Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement) is a great free trade agreement that allows us to operate on a preferential basis in Europe.”

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