Prime Minister Mark Carney said Canada plans to begin discussions for a "unique alliance" with the European Union (EU), CBC reports.

“What we [i.e. Canada] are looking—and will begin discussions for—[is] a unique alliance with the European Union. We share the same values, we have the same priorities and we have very complementary strengths,” Carney said Sunday evening on the red carpet of the Toronto International Film Festival.

But at the same time, the Canadian premier stressed that Ottawa was “not looking to become a member of the European Union.”