What did Mélanie Joly mean when she called Canada 'the most European of all non-European countries'?

Summary

In a recent BBC interview, Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly emphasized Canada’s over-reliance on the U.S. and its desire to strengthen ties with Europe, echoing similar sentiments expressed by Prime Minister Carney. This concept of being the “most European of non-European countries” draws on Canada’s historical and cultural connections, particularly its bilingual nature and architectural similarities to Europe, notably in Quebec and Montreal. Scholars have noted that Canada’s governance, social systems, and international alignments often reflect European values, further reinforcing this identity.

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