The Globe and Mail reports in its Friday edition that Prime Minister Mark Carney made the case to the European Union on Thursday that it should forge a stronger partnership with Canada. A Globe editorial says CETA, the Canada-EU trade agreement, provisionally took effect in 2017, allowing zero or low-duty trade and removing trade barriers. However, 10 of the 27 EU member countries have yet to ratify it. In order for Canadian companies to feel more comfortable investing in the EU, and for Europeans to put more capital toward Canadian mining, energy and infrastructure projects, full ratification is needed. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen calls the potential new relationship between the bloc and Canada -- "associate membership" -- which may give the impression of a sea change, but any deal would be more subtle, an evolution. The impacts of a potential deal are likely to be focused on certain sectors that the PM already has his eye on. Deeper collaboration on defence industries, critical minerals, artificial intelligence and technology would be valuable for both partners. A deal with the EU won't save Canada, but these steps will help maintain independence and build a more resilient economy.