Justin Trudeau says CETA will test European Union's 'usefulness'

Prime Minister Justin Trudeauissued ablunt warning to European lawmakers today: sign off on a free trade deal with Canada or risk reducingthe European Union's relevance.

TrudeauformallywelcomedFrench Prime Minister Manuel Vallsfor a three-day visit to Canada, holding a news conference after a private meeting on Parliament Hill.

• ManuelVallsto talk trade, climate, but his top priorityis immigration,assimilation
• JosBov, European politician who opposes trade deal, allowed to stay in Canada

"If, in a week or two, we see that Europe is unable to sign a progressive trade agreement with acountry like Canada, well then with whom will Europe dobusinessin the years to come?" Trudeauasked in French. "In thispost-Brexitsituationwhere there are a great many questions about Europe's usefulness, if Europe cannot manage to sign this agreement, then that sends a very clearmessage not just toEurope, but to the whole world, that Europe is choosing a path that is not productive for its citizens or the world. And that would be a shame."

Vallssaid France is a champion for the Comprehensive and Economic Trade Agreement (CETA) because it will be a strong jobs generator and boost forboth economies. He called it "unfathomable" that Europe would not agree to the accord.

"If the EU does not participate in a positive, win-win agreement with Canada, then with whom will the EU be able to build such free trade agreements?" he asked.

CETAblockedin Belgium?

Trudeauwas planning to travel to Brussels to officially sign theagreement later this month, but some countries have been slow to agree to its ratification.

Austria's chancellor, for example, only began toshowtentative signs of support last week after a major lobbying effort led by Canada's allies in the German social democratic party.

This week, key regional government votes in Belgium's southern region of Wallonia appear poised to thwart plans to have the EU's trade ministers sign off on the deal next Tuesday.

Valls was asked about efforts to bring Belgium's regional dissenters onside.

"We are doing everything we can to convince our Walloon friends that this agreement is a good thing for Canada and the European Union," he said. "France is fully committed to this agreement."

The French areworking in tandem with Canadian International Trade Minister Chrystia Freeland and herparliamentary secretary, David Lametti, who both havetravelledto Belgium to tryto sell the deal.

Lamettispecifically tasked withbringing the Belgians aroundhosteda delegation from Walloniain Canada this month.

• Court shoots down injunction bid forCanada-EUtrade deal
• Joint statement leaks as Canada, EU try to overcome trade dealcritics

Vallsalsowas asked about FrenchGreen MEPJos Bov'sspeaking tour in Canada this week.The outspoken anti-free trade activist is working to stop the deal from being ratified in Brussels.

Bov was detained for several hoursat Montreal's airport Tuesday and missed a speaking engagement.

"I have a great deal of sympathy for Jos Bov, but he does not represent all of France or all of the European Parliament," Valls said.

Canada a 'key partner'

VallspraisedCanada as a key partner in fighting the biggest challenges confronting the world, from the "scourge"of terrorism to fighting climate change.The French PM also praised Trudeaufor reassuming a leading role on the global stage.

Valls arrived in Ottawa on Wednesday evening and had a private, working dinner with Trudeau and their officials before Thursday's official events.

When Valls arrived on Parliament Hill Thursday morning, the pair took part in an official welcoming ceremony that included a 19-gun salute,followed by awreath laying in the Memorial Chamber of the Peace Tower.

On Thursday afternoon, the two leaders moved on toMontreal, where they joined Quebec Premier Philippe Couillardfor a business luncheon hosted by the Montreal Chamber of Commerce to promote CETA.

Vallsisin Canada until Friday.

'No advice' on peacekeeping

The two leaders also discussedCanada's plans for sending peacekeepers to West Africa to join the fight against Islamic militants.

The Trudeau government has said it will commit 600 peacekeepers to UN missions, and France has been pushing Canada hard to join the UN mission in West Africa.

Trudeau confirmed discussions included operations in Africa, but said Canada is still figuring out the best ways to help in the world. Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan is meeting with top peacekeeping officials at the United Nations in New York Thursday.

Valls said France will offer "no advice" to Canada on important decisions, but stressed the importance of offering support and training to African armies in countries like Mali.

"We are glad that Canada is back. It is important for us, and I know it will translate into concrete actions," he said.

France has 3,000 troops fighting a separate counter-insurgency mission in several countries that used to be its colonies, under the banner of Operation Barkhane.