Ottawa, May 1 -- Prime Minister of Canada Mark Carney announced former cabinet minister Jonathan Wilkinson as Canada's next ambassador to the European Union, on Thursday.

Over the past year, Canada and the EU have launched new frameworks, including a strategic partnership focused on trade, technology, energy and security, the government said in a statement.

In February, Canada joined the EU's Security Action for Europe (SAFE) initiative, a programme designed to expand defence cooperation and industry access among participating countries.

Wilkinson, a member of Parliament representing North Vancouver, Capilano, has held several senior cabinet positions, including minister of fisheries and oceans, environment and climate change, and ener...