Canada-EU ties: Mark Carney rejects rival bloc talk amid Trump tariff threat

US President Donald Trump wanted Canada as America's 51st state. But after a year of threats, public taunts, personal jibes at Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, a tariff war and constant snarks, he may have ended up pushing the US's neighbouring country and long-time ally into Europe's arms.First came European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's invitation on Wednesday for Canada to join the EU as its first "associate member" -- a label that does not currently exist.Then came Carney's response on Thursday: "We welcome this ambition", delivered before a packed European Parliament in France's Strasbourg, with von der Leyen in the audience.Whether the idea eventually materialises or not, its symbolism cannot be overlooked. Trump, in his bid to bring Canada closer to the US, has instead succeeded in pushing its long-time ally in North America towards Europe.And Trump did not appear pleased with the newfound bonhomie.