European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said she wants Canada to become the European Union's first associate member, proposing a relationship that would extend strategic, economic and political cooperation without granting full EU membership. Speaking in Strasbourg on Wednesday with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney present, she said the partnership was intended to strengthen both sides rather than target another country. Carney became the first foreign head of government to attend the EU's State of the Union address and said Canada sought a distinct security and economic alliance with the bloc. The proposal comes as Canada and the United States impose tariffs and import restrictions on each other's goods. Canada and the EU are targeting progress before an October summit in Montreal, where they could sign a digital trade agreement, while Ottawa also seeks completion of CETA ratification and access to closer defence, energy and Arctic cooperation.