EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen continues to advocate for Canada to become an 'associate member' of the EU. Canadian officials are hosting EU leaders in Montreal for discussions on the future of their relationship. The debate over Canada's status as an 'associate member' is expected to be a key topic at the Canada-EU summit. Finance Minister Carney has emphasized the need for tighter ties between the two countries. Despite the EU's recent decision to drop the title for a closer alliance, von der Leyen insists on the importance of Canada's associate membership status.