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M.

Madame Président, mon nom est Jennifer Wesche et au nom de nous tous ici présente et tout particulièrement l'écolema Bell des politiques publiques à l'université de McGill,

je tiens à vous remercier de vous être joint à nous aujourd'hui. Thank you for providing your vision.

Of not only those summit discussions which begin today, But the future of the relationship between Canada and the European Union,

and reminding us of the deep connections we've had for generations.

The Max Bell School is a teaching and research community that drives policy transformation by sharing rigorous and independent analysis of society's toughest challenges,

creating dynamic learning opportunities, and convening conversations that matter.

Canada and the European Union are having a consequential conversation. A conversation about how to survive.

But also how to thrive in a new political context of geopolitical rivalry,

growing protectionism, a digital arms race, an urgent energy transition.

And attacks on the values and institutions of democratic governance.

Mais cette conversation se traduit également en action.

À travers l'aboration d'un roadmap que vous avez détaillé ici.

Sur la manière de transformer les défis en opportunités.

Il s'agit de bâtir une prospérité et une sécurité partagée par nos populations.

Et de garantir une économie stratégique permettant de protéger et de poursuivre notre mode de vie démocratique.

The agreement and action plan that Canada and the EU are creating is part of a strategic realignment. And the most effective strategies take time. Canadians sense and know this. Our country is making a fundamental pivot.

The investments you and our Prime Minister are setting into motion this week will yield some crucial results right away. But many will unfold over time.

That is why I believe your speech today and this summit is building and showcasing something else that is desperately needed in this more unstable international environment. Friendship, META.

A common refrain over the last few years is that we live in a world of transactional politics. Or deals. One gives something, one gets something. Sometimes under duress.

Alliances are considered old fashioned for the weak.

Today's speech and the relationship Canada and the EU are building demonstrate the precise opposite.

Friendship with those who are like-minded,

those who share a commitment to work hard over the long haul together is an incredibly valuable commodity.

L'amitié entre le Canada et l'Union européenne construit un atout précieux pour cette décennie et au-delà.

Thank you, as you've noted,

there are McGill students and researchers here today who are excited and prepared to capitalize on that continuous friendship building.

And the long-term co-investments that the EU and Canada will discuss over the next two days.

It is they who will benefit from the opportunities to learn and study in our jurisdictions and to form research collaborations that will deliver the kind of knowledge and innovation that the world's best universities can deliver.

And that both Europe and Canada need for this 21st century.

Our universities and yours are committed allies in the fight to preserve and continue building prosperous and dynamic democratic societies.

Please know that in Canada's universities and public policy schools,

and especially in Miguel and the Max Bell School, the EU has a willing partner, a friend.

To work with you in the coming months and years ahead.

We wish you and your Canadian counterparts huge success in the summit,

and we thank you all for joining us this morning. Mercy.