Carney defends Canada-Turkey engagement amid crackdown on LGBTQ+ Rights

Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada’s efforts to strengthen ties with Turkey do not mean Ottawa endorses what it considers a crackdown on LGBTQ+ rights in the country.

Speaking to reporters in Istanbul, Carney said Canada adjusts its level of engagement with other nations based on shared values. He confirmed that human rights concerns were raised during bilateral meetings with Turkish officials but did not say whether he personally discussed the issue with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

“Engagement is not approval,” Carney said.

Carney also said he had not planned to meet with LGBTQ+ or human rights groups during his visit.

His trip comes amid reports of a wider crackdown on LGBTQ+ organizations and rights defenders in Turkey. Coordinated police raids from September 12 to 14, 2026, targeted seven groups defending LGBTQ+ rights and two organizations supporting people living with HIV, as well as bars and nightclubs in several cities. At least 112 people were arrested, with 82 reportedly remaining in detention under court orders.

Since mid-September, authorities have also blocked access to the websites and social media accounts of several organizations, while activists have faced detentions, office and home searches, and the seizure of electronic devices.

The European Federation of Journalists has condemned what it described as state-led attacks on feminist and LGBTQ+ organizations, media platforms, student groups and human rights defenders.

The Turkish government has said its measures are intended to protect children and family values, while critics view them as part of a broader campaign against LGBTQ+ communities and civil society.

The report is based on excerpts from The Canadian Press and the European Federation of Journalists.