81% of Canadians support closer ties with the European Union.

Omissions

• The 81% figure comes from a single pollster (Abacus Data, online survey fielded 4–9 September 2026); the MEP did not name the pollster, fieldwork dates or methodology.
• A separate Leger survey (fielded 19–21 September 2026) found 70% support for Canada becoming an 'associate member' of the EU (13% opposed, 18% unsure) — a lower figure for the more concrete proposition.
• Other Abacus figures reported in coverage refer to 80% supporting deeper strategic cooperation with the EU on foreign policy, defence and economic matters, so the headline number varies slightly with question wording.
• All cited polls pre-date the 21 October 2026 session date, so the MEP could have known them.

Sources

• PrimaryAbacus Data — 'As Carney Heads to Europe, 4 in 5 Canadians Support Closer Integration with the EU''Eighty-one percent support closer integration between Canada and the EU while Canada remains outside the European Union, including making it...'; 'Eighty percent of Canadians say Canada should deepen strategic cooperation with the European Union on foreign policy, defence, and economic...'
• PrimaryLeger — 'Canadians Support a Closer Canada–EU Relationship''70% of Canadians support Canada becoming an “Associate Member” of the European Union; 13% oppose and 18% are unsure.'
• SecondaryCityNews — 'More than two in three Canadians back EU associate membership: poll''The online poll by Leger, conducted between Sept. 19 and Sept. 21, suggests 70 per cent of Canadians support the idea, 18 per cent are unsure'
• SecondaryBloomberg — 'Canadians Supportive of Closer Europe Ties Amid US Tension''A recent Abacus Data survey found that 80% of Canadians support closer integration with the EU on issues such as foreign policy, defense and...'