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From: One Canadian Economy

News release

Delta, B.C., July 16, 2026 – Canada is a trading nation with a deep history of building strategic partnerships with nations whose customers value the quality and consistency of the goods we export. Goods that come from different sectors, including agriculture, fisheries, manufacturing and mining, from regions across the country. Canada has what the world wants, and Canadian businesses need modern, reliable and efficient infrastructure to get their products to customers and keep Canada competitive on the world stage.

Moving $1 billion in goods every day, the Port of Vancouver (the Port) is Canada’s largest and most cargo-diverse port Connecting Canada to 170 markets, it is a critical trade gateway – handling 40% of Canada’s trade in goods beyond North America. The Port’s trade activities represent one in three dollars of Canada’s non-U.S. trade, while contributing $16.3 billion to Canada’s GDP every year, and supporting over 130,000 jobs nation-wide. The Port offers advantages that cannot be easily replicated elsewhere, including service from Class 1 railways, year-round access, proximity to Asia, and a well-developed local shipping ecosystem. Now is the time to build on those competitive advantages.

To meet Canada’s growth and trade diversification objectives, including doubling exports to non-U.S. markets by 2035, long-standing infrastructure constraints need to be addressed at the Port. We must build more and optimize existing infrastructure to grow the Port’s capacity. Environmental protections that encompass the region will also support responsible growth at Canada’s largest marine trading corridor.

Today, the Honourable Steven MacKinnon, Minister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, announced the referral of the Port of Vancouver Gateway Strategy (Gateway Strategy) to the Major Projects Office (MPO). This transformational strategy and associated pillars, including the Roberts Bank Terminal 2 project (RBT2), reflect the type of nation-building infrastructure projects the Building Canada Act (the Act) aims to urgently advance to diversify and grow trade capacity, reach more global markets such as the fast-growing Indo-Pacific region, and drive economic growth.

The Gateway Strategy will focus on four key pillars to support capacity growth at the Port:

1. Roberts Bank Terminal 2 (RBT2) – is being referred to the MPO for potential listing as a project of national interest under the Act to provide regulatory certainty and future financial success. The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority (VFPA)-led RBT2 is a proposed three-berth container terminal at Roberts Bank that would increase the Port’s container capacity by 50% enabling $100 billion of new container trade capacity annually, contribute over $3 billion to Canada’s GDP per year, and support the creation of 17,000 ongoing jobs across the supply chain during operations.

   RBT2 has undergone more than a decade of regulatory reviews, including a robust environmental assessment approval process and consultation with Indigenous groups. The VFPA has Mutual Benefit Agreements in place with 27 First Nations. The Project completed a federal impact assessment in 2023, receiving key environmental approvals and is awaiting final permits. Listing allows the Minister of the One Canadian Economy to bring RBT2 under one single regulatory window.

   The MPO will immediately begin consultations with potentially impacted Indigenous communities, to inform the federal government’s decision to potentially list RBT2 under the Act. Before making a determination regarding listing, a notice will be posted in the Canada Gazette.

2. Land use and infrastructure for bulk terminals – The Port hosts 29 major marine terminals, many of which handle Canada’s most important exports, including grain, potash, petroleum products, and canola oil. Dry and liquid bulk account for approximately 70% of total Port of Vancouver tonnage. To double non-U.S. trade by 2035, new land, modern terminals and other export-focused infrastructure needs to be built.

   The opportunity for Canada’s exporters is now. On July 20, the VFPA will launch a process to select an operator for its 40-acre Fraser Wharves terminal site in Richmond – the first major terminal opportunity at the Port in a decade. The MPO may support VFPA with this process to ensure the project is efficiently advanced, while respecting Indigenous rights and safeguarding the environment.

   As part of the Land Use and Infrastructure for Bulk Terminals pillar, Alberta’s West Coast Oil Pipeline (WCOP) proposal located in the Delta Area of B.C. will be reviewed and considered.

   Under the Gateway Strategy, the MPO and the VFPA will cooperate to identify similar opportunities for export terminal expansion.

3. Rail Infrastructure optimization and expansion – The majority of cargo moving through the Port is transported by rail. The current system requires investment to diversify Canada’s trade. Without targeted expansions of the Port’s rail infrastructure, Canada’s transportation network will become congested, which increases shipping costs and reduces the competitiveness of Canadian businesses.

   In partnership with the railways, the MPO and Transport Canada are developing a rail infrastructure strategy to increase capacity and enhance supply chain efficiency, reliability, and resilience.

4. Environmental Protections – B.C. and Canada’s robust environmental protections ensure that growth at the Port occurs responsibly. As part of the Spring Economic Update 2026: Canada Strong For All, the Government committed more than $258 million over five years to renew and enhance funding for protection of whales and their habitats. This includes $95 million over the next five years and $16.5 million on an annual basis to protect Southern Resident killer whales (SRKW) and their habitat along B.C.’s coast, through enhanced SRKW (ESRKW) measures, delivered by Transport Canada and Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Through the Oceans Protection Plan and the Whales Initiative, Canada has supported the survival and recovery of SRKW since 2016. These new investments build on this work and are in addition to strong 2026 management measures already in place. Together, these initiatives will continue to enhance whale protections by:

   • implementing and enforcing whale protection measures, such as vessel speed restrictions, fisheries management measures, and marine mammal incident response;

   • continuing research and funding for whale surveillance and detection systems, such as acoustic monitoring;

   • implementing a new, regional noise monitoring and management program in the Salish Sea;

   • enhancing collaboration with industry and partners through the VFPA-led Enhancing Cetacean Habitat and Observation (ECHO) Program, including funding for large commercial vessel slowdowns, and to support development and testing of new underwater noise reduction approaches;

   • working with B.C. Ferries to accelerate the adoption of quieting technologies, with the aim of reducing underwater radiated noise by up to 50% on their vessels in the Salish Sea, and entering into a Species at Risk Act, section 11 Conservation Agreement to support the recovery of at-risk whale species;

   • funding research, development and demonstration projects to reduce underwater noise from vessels; and

   • continuing and increasing funding for Indigenous participation in projects and activities that address the impacts of underwater vessel noise on the marine environment.

   This funding complements the Government’s announcement of $412.9 million over five years to renew the Pacific Salmon Strategy Initiative (PSSI) to enable continued protection and recovery of wild Pacific Salmon stocks. Through the $3.5 billion Oceans Protection Plan, the Government has partnered with Indigenous and coastal communities to develop a world-leading marine safety system that meets the unique needs of Canada and B.C.

   As reinforced in the Canada-British Columbia Cooperative Prosperity Agreement, the federal government will support coastal protection and address key threats to the marine ecosystem, including salmon and at-risk whales, as part of achieving its trade diversification agenda.

Quotes

“Canada needs modern transportation infrastructure that helps our businesses compete, gets Canadian goods to new markets, and creates good jobs across the country. By investing in our ports and transportation network, we are growing our economy, strengthening our supply chains, while protecting the environment.”
- The Honourable Steven MacKinnon
Minister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons

“The Gateway Strategy reflects the type of nation-building infrastructure projects the Building Canada Act aims to advance. Grounded in partnership with Indigenous Peoples, it will drive Canada’s efforts to diversify our trading partners and increase our capacity to export to global markets, while delivering substantial economic benefits for Canadians.”
- The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc
President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade, Intergovernmental Affairs, Internal Trade and One Canadian Economy

“The Port of Vancouver Gateway Strategy will strengthen Canada’s Pacific trade corridor while creating jobs, attracting investment, and driving long-term growth. It demonstrates that environmental stewardship and shared economic prosperity are not competing priorities, they go hand in hand in building a stronger future for Indigenous Nations, Delta, British Columbia and Canada as a whole.”
- The Honourable Jill McKnight
Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence

“Boards of Trade and Chambers of Commerce across Canada have told me the same thing time and again: we need more capacity to get Canadian exports out the door. Today, we’re taking action. British Columbia is our gateway to the Indo-Pacific, and expanding port capacity will help Canadian workers get more of what they make to the markets that are demanding more Canadian-made goods.”
- The Honourable Maninder Sidhu
Minister of International Trade

“As Canada’s largest port, we know we’re going to play an outsized role in delivering on Prime Minister Carney’s commitment to double exports to markets outside of North America. Today’s announcement will help the Port of Vancouver and our partners get game-changing projects like Roberts Bank Terminal 2 built, and move more of what Canadians make, mine, harvest and grow to more customers around the world.”
- Peter Xotta
President and CEO, Vancouver Fraser Port Authority

Quick facts

• On July 2, 2026, the Government of Canada and the Government of British Columbia (B.C.) announced a Cooperative Prosperity Agreement, a commitment to pursue a series of actions to grow the B.C. and Canadian economies, fund public services that all Canadians rely on, and diversify our trade relationships. This includes the federal government’s commitment to revitalize B.C.’s ports and throughways.

• The Port of Vancouver handles more cargo than the next five largest Canadian ports combined and facilitates $350 billion in trade with 170 countries.

• The Port hosts over 20 dry and liquid bulk terminals and is Canada’s leading port in exports of grain, potash, petroleum products and canola oil, among other products.

• The Port handles $1 in every $3 of Canadian trade in goods outside North America, contributes about $16.3 billion in GDP across Canada from coast to coast, and currently supports about 132,400 jobs in Canada with 103,000 of them in B.C.

• Today, the Port connects Canada to trade with up to 170 countries and moves more cargo than the next five largest Canadian ports combined. In 2025, the Port of Vancouver had a record year, handling 170.4 million metric tonnes of cargo, 8% higher than the previous record set in 2024.

• RBT2 would expand Canada’s container-handling capacity, unlocking more than $100 billion in annual trade capacity and contributing over $3 billion annually to Canada’s GDP. It would support 17,000 ongoing jobs across the supply chain during operations, and increase the Port of Vancouver’s container capacity by 50%.

• On July 13, the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority announced its selection of TerraMarine as its construction partner to build the RBT2 landmass and wharf following a robust competitive procurement process. With respect to the future construction and operation of the terminal, the port authority and Global Container Terminals have entered into an MoU to explore partnership to advance RBT2 with the goal of achieving a joint operating and development agreement.

• On May 19, 2026 the Government of Canada made an investment of $258.1 million to protect whales, including $95 million over the next five years and $16.5 million on an annual basis for enhanced Southern Resident killer whales (ESRKW) protection measures.

• The Government’s announcement of $412.9 million over five years to renew the Pacific Salmon Strategy Initiative (PSSI) to enable continued protection and recovery of wild Pacific Salmon stocks.

• The Government of Canada established the Major Projects Office to bring business development and project execution expertise to accelerate nation-building projects and advance transformative strategies that will help build a stronger, more independent and resilient economy for Canada.

• Transformative strategies are early-stage initiatives or concepts specific to a region or sector that align with national priorities such as growth, security, market diversification, and reconciliation. They have the potential to significantly strengthen Canada’s economy but require further development before specific projects can proceed.

• The Building Canada Act was introduced as part of the One Canadian Economy Act to expedite regulatory processes for projects determined to be in the national interest and help ensure that projects of national interest can move forward efficiently.

Related products

• Backgrounder: Port of Vancouver Gateway Strategy

Associated links

• Major Projects Office

• Building Canada Act

July 9, 2026
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

The global landscape is rapidly changing, creating uncertainty for economies, businesses, and workers. In response, Canada is focused on what we can control: building our strength at home, diversifying our trade partnerships, and cultivating a dense web of new connections. That means deepening ties with the largest, most ambitious economies around the world.

Saudi Arabia is Canada’s second-largest trading partner in the Middle East, supporting tens of thousands of Canadian jobs, and with rapidly growing ties across education, energy, defence, critical minerals, and advanced technologies. With a $1.8 trillion economy and an ambitious economic transformation agenda under Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia offers significant opportunities for Canadian workers, businesses, and expertise.

To deepen this partnership, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, travelled to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – the first visit to the country by a Canadian Prime Minister in 26 years. During the visit, the Prime Minister met with the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, His Royal Highness Mohammed bin Salman. Together they issued a joint statement with key commitments to deepen cooperation across trade, technology, mining and natural resources, energy, health, education, people-to-people ties, and defence.

In Jeddah, Canada and Saudi Arabia signed new 13 new commercial agreements and memorandums of understanding (MOUs) worth over $1 billion – spanning health technology, mining, infrastructure, and defence. This will enable:

• Canadian firms supporting mining, critical minerals, and clean energy projects in Saudi Arabia.

• Canadian infrastructure companies helping to deliver Vision 2030 projects, including roads and rail lines.

• Canadian health technology companies deploying Canadian-made capabilities from patient monitoring and clinical decision-support technologies to surgical intelligence platforms.

• Experts from Canadian colleges training the next generation of the Saudi workforce, including construction, skilled trades, medicine, and technology.

To unlock bilateral investment and create thousands of jobs for both countries, Canada and Saudi Arabia agreed to deepen collaboration on:

• Energy, through a MOU to attract investment in major projects, expand trade, and strengthen cooperation on LNG, renewable energy, hydrogen, and carbon capture and storage.

• Artificial intelligence, through a MOU to advance collaboration in AI development, deployment, and commercialisation.

• Defence and security, by committing to finalise a MOU on defence cooperation.

  • Canada will also establish a resident Defence Attaché presence in Riyadh to increase the frequency and depth of bilateral engagements and increase exports from Canada’s defence sector.

Progress was made on two additional commercial partnerships as well:

• Cohere, a leading Canadian sovereign AI company and Saudi Arabia’s HUMAIN, today announced a strategic AI compute collaboration to provide dedicated AI infrastructure for the next generation of frontier AI models. This partnership will enable the development of AI solutions and special-purpose sovereign AI models.

  • As part of this partnership, HUMAIN will designate at least 50 megawatts of dedicated AI compute capacity to support Cohere’s next-generation foundation models.

• BlackBerry and Aramco Digital have commenced discussions to explore opportunities for collaboration to advance sovereign secure communications and next-generation industrial technology in Saudi Arabia.

To strengthen the Canada-Saudi Arabia partnership in the coming months, Prime Minister Carney announced that Canada will:

• Lead a delegation of Canada’s pension funds to Saudi Arabia to explore long-term investment opportunities and strengthen partnerships in sectors such as energy and AI.

• Participate in Expo 2030, a six-month World Expo bringing together countries to showcase innovation, trade, and investment opportunities – to be held in Riyadh from October 1, 2030, to March 31, 2031.

• Have a national pavilion at the World Defence Show in Riyadh in January 2028.

• Advance a strategic partnership between Canadian and Saudi Arabian educational institutions to support the professional development of Saudi Arabian early childhood and English language educators.

The Prime Minister and the Crown Prince announced that they will conclude negotiations for a Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA) by the end of 2027. This will enable Canadian businesses to more easily expand their operations in and attract investment from Saudi Arabia. Canada and Saudi Arabia also launched negotiations for a new double-taxation agreement to make it easier for Canadians to work and invest in Saudi Arabia and vice versa.

Canada and Saudi Arabia are complementary economies with shared ambitions to expand trade, attract investment, and diversify their economies. Deepening the partnership will support Canada’s efforts to grow non-U.S. exports, attract investment, and strengthen collaboration in strategic sectors – creating new opportunities for Canadian businesses and workers.

Quotes

“Canada and Saudi Arabia have both embarked on ambitious new missions to transform their economies. To that end, we are harnessing each other’s strengths across minerals and mining, technology, energy, and commerce. Canada has what the world wants. We are cultivating a dense web of new connections to diversify our trade, create new opportunities for our workers and businesses, and deliver greater security and prosperity for all Canadians.”

— The Rt. Hon. Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada

“As Canada builds a stronger, more resilient economy, deepening our partnership with Saudi Arabia is an important step in advancing trade diversification, strengthening energy cooperation, and expanding people-to-people ties. This visit marks a new chapter in the Canada-Saudi Arabia relationship, building on a shared commitment to economic growth as well as solidarity in the face of Iranian aggression over the past months.”

— The Hon. Anita Anand, Foreign Affairs Minister of Canada

Quick facts

• The Prime Minister and the Crown Prince welcomed the signing of a MOU to establish a foreign minister-level Canada-Saudi Arabia Coordination Council that will guide and deepen cooperation across several key priorities.

• The visit followed the Prime Minister’s participation in the 2026 NATO Summit in Ankara, Türkiye. Over the course of the trip, the Prime Minister:

  • Announced the largest defence procurement in Canadian history – selecting Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) as the preferred supplier to begin negotiations to purchase up to twelve state-of-the-art submarines.

  • Strengthened Canada’s contributions to the NATO Alliance and forged new partnerships with Allies.

  • Welcomed the launch of negotiations toward a Canada-Türkiye comprehensive free trade agreement.

• Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, valued at over an estimated $1 trillion, is a key driver of Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy away from oil and gas.

• During his visit, the Prime Minister emphasised Canada’s commitment to working with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf partners to advance regional stability.

  • The two sides strongly condemned Iranian attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz on July 7, 2026. The two countries underscored that such actions heighten regional tensions, undermine confidence-building efforts, and jeopardise ongoing diplomatic negotiations and agreements aimed at promoting regional stability and security.

  • Alongside our partners and allies, Canada stands ready to support the Multinational Military Maritime Mission in four potential areas of assistance: maritime logistics, cyber support, demining expertise, and satellite imagery, when conditions permit.

• The Minister of International Trade, Maninder Sidhu, visited Saudi Arabia in January 2026 with a senior Canadian business delegation where he welcomed approximately $600 million in commercial partnership agreements, and promoted Canadian trade and investment opportunities – including in the clean technology and energy, information and communication technology, AI, and infrastructure sectors.

• Canada looks forward to welcoming a Saudi Arabia trade mission to advance progress on bilateral trade, investment, and commercial partnerships.

Related product

• Prime Minister Carney meets with Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia His Royal Highness Mohammed bin Salman

Associated links

• Prime Minister Carney to attend the NATO Summit in Türkiye and visit Saudi Arabia to deepen trade, technology, and defence partnerships

• Canada-Saudi Arabia relations

Prime Minister of Canada Mark Carney and the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, His Royal Highness Mohammed bin Salman commit to deepening bilateral engagement and economic cooperation

July 9, 2026
Jeddah, Saudi Arabi

“At the invitation of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, the Right Honourable Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada, made an official visit to Jeddah, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during the period of (23-25) Muharram 1448 AH corresponding to (8-10) July 2026. Leaders agreed to elevate bilateral ties and set clear priorities for a deeper and sustained cooperation across trade, investment, innovation, multilateral fora and regional security. This marks a significant step in the bilateral relationship, built on considerable recent momentum and focused on the shared commitment to deliver tangible results that support both Canada’s growth agenda and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

Bilateral relationship

The two sides underscored their shared commitment to a strong and forward-looking Canada–Saudi Arabia partnership. The two sides agreed to establish a Canada–Saudi Arabia Coordination Council, led by Foreign Ministers, to advance cooperation and deliver concrete results across political, security and defence, economic, trade and investment, cultural, educational, scientific, and consular priorities. Both sides also welcomed the launch of a Joint Working Document as a roadmap to support the Canada-Saudi Arabia Coordination Council and its work to strengthen cooperation across strategic sectors.

The two sides underscored their confidence in a future marked by deeper cooperation and shared prosperity, strengthened by mutual trust, close friendship, and a common vision for advancing the partnership between the two nations. They expressed confidence that the strengthened partnership would deliver tangible benefits for both countries and support Saudi Vision 2030 and Canada’s objectives to build a stronger more resilient economy and diversify partnerships abroad. This partnership is based on trust, friendship, and a shared vision of confronting global challenges with pragmatic, swift, and tangible cooperation.

Trade and investment

The two sides emphasized the importance of unlocking the full potential of bilateral economic ties and welcomed the growing engagement between Canadian and Saudi businesses. Both sides noted that bilateral trade has reached over 20 billion USD since 2020. They agreed to promote two-way investment, increase non-oil trade, support small and medium-sized enterprises, and strengthen cooperation between financial institutions. The two sides agreed to launch negotiations for a Double Taxation Agreement and welcomed the ongoing Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement negotiations with a view to concluding them by early 2027. The two sides stressed the importance of cooperation between financial institutions in the two countries, which contributes to enhancing financing for strategic and major projects. The Kingdom welcomed the strong interest of Canadian investors in visiting Saudi Arabia to explore opportunities. Equally, Prime Minister Carney looks forward to welcoming Saudi investors to the first-ever Investment Summit in Toronto in September 2026.

The Saudi Arabia-Canada Investment Forum, held on July 9th, showcased the economic momentum between the two countries. The two sides welcomed the announcement of commercial and investment agreements between Canadian and Saudi entities, illustrating the scale of opportunities across several sectors, including mining, engineering, infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, training and education, financial services, and information and communication technology.

Energy, mining and mineral resources

The two sides welcomed the conclusion of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Energy Cooperation and highlighted opportunities for collaboration across conventional and clean energy, including liquefied natural gas projects in Canada, electricity and renewable energy, hydrogen, carbon management technologies, innovation, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, resilient supply chains and workforce development.

The two sides also welcomed growing cooperation in mining and mineral resources formalized via a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in January 2026 to enhance cooperation in the field of mineral resources, including exploration, financing, and processing technologies. This strategic MOU cemented an established track record of bilateral growth, highlighted by Canadian companies securing the largest share of mining exploration licenses issued by the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources in the Kingdom. Furthermore, the two sides seek to enhance industrial cooperation centred on advanced manufacturing.

Technology, education and health, international cooperation

The two sides welcomed the conclusion of a MOU on Artificial Intelligence (AI) Investment and Skills Development. The MOU aims to advance cooperation in key areas of mutual interest, including joint investment opportunities in targeted sectors; encouraging business-to-business linkages, such as through trade missions; advancing technical collaboration; and supporting skills development and advanced AI training.

Both sides identified future opportunities to expand collaboration in public health, biotechnology, digital health, pharmaceuticals, medical technologies, exchange of expertise, training programs and research.

The two sides stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation and joint coordination in international forums, organizations and multilateral financial and economic institutions, in order to support global economic stability and growth. The Canadian side affirmed its support for the Kingdom’s desire to host the (G20) summit in 2030.

People to people ties

The two sides also highlighted the FIFA World Cup as a platform for collaboration and exchange, with Canada currently co-hosting the tournament and Saudi Arabia preparing to host in 2034.

Prime Minister Carney congratulated His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for the city of Riyadh winning the bid to host the 2030 World Expo and was pleased to confirm Canada’s intent to participate to highlight Canadian innovation and contributions to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

The two sides reaffirmed the importance of bilateral air connectivity and the value of the recent expansion of the Air Transport Agreement concluded in November 2025, which permits up to 14 weekly passenger flights per country and unlimited weekly all-cargo services. They recognized the importance of continued collaboration between the two authorities in the field of civil aviation and agreed to expand the Air Transport Agreement to support the growth of passenger and all-cargo transportation between the two countries. The two sides highlighted the importance of implementing these increased passenger and cargo flight frequencies to strengthen economic and people-to-people ties. Thereby advancing mutual interests and enhancing bilateral cooperation in the civil aviation sector.

Defence and regional security

The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to enhance cooperation and coordination in the defence field as well as to advance regional stability and international security. They welcomed enhanced cooperation on defence, cybersecurity, counterterrorism, combatting transnational crime and the exchange of expertise between relevant institutions.

On regional security, the two sides strongly condemned Iranian attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz on July 7, 2026. They stressed that these unacceptable attacks constitute an attack on the security and safety of international navigation and on the security of global energy supplies and represent a serious violation of international law and norms, which guarantees freedom of navigation and safe passage through maritime routes, and of United Nations Security Council Resolution (2817). They also underscored that such actions heighten regional tensions, undermine confidence-building efforts, and jeopardize ongoing diplomatic negotiations aimed at promoting regional stability and security. Both sides commended the efforts of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the State of Qatar aimed at reaching an agreement. They reaffirmed the importance of restoring safe and unrestricted navigation through the Strait of Hormuz in accordance with international law, to the normal conditions that prevailed prior to February 28, 2026.

On State of Palestine, the two sides emphasized the importance of the safe, urgent and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance, the protection of civilians, and efforts to create the conditions for lasting peace. They reiterated support for the two-state solution and stressed the importance of maintaining the Palestinian people’s right to establish their independent state. The Saudi side welcomed Canada’s recognition of the State of Palestine.

On Yemen, the two sides affirmed their full support for efforts aimed at reaching a political solution to the Yemeni crisis, in accordance with the relevant Security Council resolutions and agreed on the importance of supporting the Presidential Leadership Council in the Republic of Yemen to enable it to carry out its responsibilities. They stressed the importance of maintaining the security and stability of the Red Sea region.

On Sudan, the two sides stressed the importance of intensifying efforts to end the crisis and reaffirm their support for Sudan’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, the preservation of its national institutions, and the rights of the Sudanese people to live in peace, dignity and justice, free from actions that could further fuel the conflict or undermine the country’s stability.

At the conclusion of the visit, Prime Minister Carney expressed his appreciation to His Royal Highness for the warm welcome and generous hospitality extended throughout the visit. His Royal Highness also expressed His sincere wishes for His Excellency’s continued good health and well-being, and further progress and prosperity for the friendly Canadian people.”

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July 8, 2026
Ankara, Türkiye

In a more dangerous and divided world, Canada must be prepared to defend ourselves and our Allies. As the threats to North America evolve, Canada is focused on taking full responsibility for the security of our Arctic. Over the past year, Canada has undertaken a generational transformation of our defence posture through historic investments, major reforms, and stronger partnerships with our Allies. As a result, Canada is a stronger, more capable member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) with greater ability to lead and advance the Alliance’s mission of collective security.

Today, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, concluded his participation at the 2026 NATO Summit in Ankara, Türkiye. At the Summit, Canada and our Allies signed a joint declaration reaffirming their commitment to NATO and to transatlantic security. Canada is on a clear path to meet NATO’s target of investing 5% of GDP in defence by 2035. We are moving fast, making ambitious and strategic defence investments, including in a new submarine fleet, the world’s second-largest fleet of icebreakers, and new aircraft, missiles, and cyber defences.

To strengthen collective defence and security, Prime Minister Carney announced a series of new investments and initiatives to build up domestic and Allied defence industrial capacity, reinforce deterrence along NATO’s Eastern Flank, support Ukraine, and mobilise private capital in support of shared security priorities.

In Türkiye, the Prime Minister underlined new defence partnerships and contracts that will catalyse growth in the private sector, including:

• An agreement-in-principle with Telesat for ESCP-P to utilise Telesat Lightspeed to provide sovereign, reliable, and continuous military satellite communications in the Arctic – expected to result in a multi-billion-dollar investment in Canada’s defence sector.

• An approximately $800 million contract with Norwegian company Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace to procure Joint Strike Missiles, a type of long-range missile, which will be integrated into future fighter aircraft for the Royal Canadian Air Force.

• An updated procurement strategy for the Light Utility Vehicle project to immediately limit the tender to two Canadian defence industry suppliers to deliver 1,600 to 2,100 vehicles and 400 to 500 light utility trailers for the militarised portion of the Canadian Armed Forces’ fleet.

To further reinforce the Alliance’s capabilities, grow the transatlantic industrial base, and support cutting-edge innovative defence and dual-use companies, Prime Minister Carney announced that:

• Canada has agreed to open technical negotiations to join the NATO Innovation Sub-Fund. This aims to develop emerging and advanced technologies that are important for NATO’s defence and security, while giving Canadian innovators opportunities to access capital, strategic networks, and transatlantic markets.

• Canada will host the 2027 NATO Industry Forum to strengthen cooperation between Allies and industry to advance defence innovation and industrial capacity across NATO.

To deepen trade and commercial ties with NATO Allies and to create new partnerships for Canadian workers and businesses, the Prime Minister announced:

• The launch of negotiations with Germany toward a Canada-Germany Strategic Partnership Agreement (Partnership Agreement). As Canada’s largest trading partner in the EU, the Canada-Germany partnership supports careers across Canada. The Partnership Agreement will bring together cooperation across key priorities – including security and defence, technology, investment, supply chains and raw materials, energy, and space – under one umbrella, with concrete projects and commitments, to shape and advance cooperation in the years to come.

• The launch of negotiations with Türkiye on a comprehensive Canada-Türkiye free trade agreement. With bilateral trade between Canada and Türkiye reaching $4.3 billion in 2025, the agreement will unlock significant opportunities for businesses, workers, and investors in both countries.

The Prime Minister announced the extension of the Canadian-led Operation REASSURANCE until 2031, including plans to increase Canada’s persistently deployed personnel to up to 2,600. As Canada’s largest overseas mission, Operation REASSURANCE helps deter Russian aggression on NATO’s Eastern Flank and fortifies our shared defence. The Prime Minister also confirmed that Canada will join Latvia and Denmark as the third Framework Nation of Multinational Division North, taking on more responsibility to protect NATO’s Eastern Flank.

Building on successful negotiations with international partners in Montréal this spring, Prime Minister Carney welcomed support from eight countries for the Defence, Security and Resilience Bank (DSRB). Canada is helping lead the establishment of this new multilateral financial institution that will mobilise and deploy private capital quickly to bolster collective security. As the future host of its headquarters, this Canada-led Bank will provide long-term, low-cost financing for defence, security, and resilience initiatives across supply chains, helping governments and small and medium-sized enterprises address critical financing gaps. The DSRB will also spur significant job creation across member countries – with new orders for businesses in defence industries and new partnerships in emerging sectors from AI and quantum to space and cyber.

Prime Minister Carney announced that a portion of Canada’s previously announced commitment of approximately $2 billion in military assistance for Ukraine will support urgent and critical requirements, including:

• $475 million for ammunition – including $75 million to deliver extended-range rounds through the Czech Ammunition Initiative – and $400 million to source over 39 million rounds of various calibre ammunition from Canadian industry.

• Nearly $400 million to build 35 Canadian-made armoured combat support vehicles to sustain Ukrainian frontline combat units.

• $50 million to provide critical information technology and engineering equipment to Ukraine.

Canada has been among Ukraine’s top supporters in the face of Russia’s aggression, committing over $25.5 billion in multifaceted assistance to Ukraine since 2022, including over $8.5 billion in military assistance.

At the 2026 NATO Summit, Prime Minister Carney met with the Secretary General of NATO and leaders from Denmark, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Latvia, North Macedonia, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Sweden, Türkiye, the United Kingdom, and Ukraine. These meetings focused on advancing cooperation on shared defence and security priorities, including strengthening Allied capabilities, supporting Ukraine’s self-defence, and restoring safe and unrestricted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

Canada entered this NATO Summit on a clear upward trajectory – rapidly increasing defence spending and building the capabilities and infrastructure needed to defend ourselves and our Allies. Through new investments, deeper defence industrial partnerships, strengthened support for Ukraine, and an expanded role in reinforcing NATO’s Eastern Flank, Canada is delivering on its commitments and helping build a stronger, more secure Alliance. Canada will continue to prioritise investments in the Arctic as part of its ongoing work to strengthen collective defence, defend transatlantic security, and protect the values that unite us.

Quotes

“The threats facing us today are real and they will be met by a Canada prepared to defend our interests, our citizens, and our Allies. We are rapidly scaling our capabilities through historic investments in new submarines, icebreakers, aircraft, and cyber defences and strengthening our partnerships with Allies around the world. Today, we are a stronger, more capable member of NATO with greater ability to advance its mission of collective security. This is a strong, confident Canada taking full responsibility for our defence, for a more secure and more prosperous world.”

— The Rt. Hon. Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada

“At this year’s NATO Summit, Canada reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the Alliance, collective defence, and the security of the Euro-Atlantic region. As Allies strengthen deterrence, increase defence investment, accelerate defence industrial production, and sustain support for Ukraine, Canada will continue to lead by investing in the Canadian Armed Forces, deepening cooperation with Allies, and helping build a stronger, more secure, and more resilient NATO – ready to meet today’s challenges and those of the future.”

— The Hon. David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence

“As security challenges continue to evolve, a strong and united Alliance remains essential to our collective defence and security. Canada is making generational investments in defence to strengthen our sovereignty, support our defence industry, and deepen partnerships across the Atlantic. Together with Allies and partners, we are reinforcing security in the Arctic, addressing shared challenges across the Euro-Atlantic and beyond, and maintaining our steadfast support for Ukraine as it defends its sovereignty.”

— The Hon. Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs

Quick facts

• At the 2026 Summit, NATO Allies were joined by 9 additional partner countries and the European Union.

• Canada’s attendance at the 2026 NATO Summit follows targeted actions the government has taken over the past year to rebuild, rearm, and reinvest in our military, including:

  • Increasing defence investments to 2% of GDP in 2025-26.

  • Providing pay raises to all Canadian Armed Forces members.

  • Launching the Defence Investment Agency to overhaul and streamline Canada’s defence procurement.

  • Launching the Defence Industrial Strategy to transform our defence industry by prioritising Canadian suppliers and materials, investing in Canadian innovation and commercialisation, and streamlining procurement.

  • Investing more than $40 billion to defend, build, and transform Canada’s Northern and Arctic regions.

  • Securing major defence contracts for critical equipment and infrastructure, including $6.4 billion to construct two new polar icebreakers, $2.1 billion over five years to acquire long-range missile capability for the Canadian Armed Forces, and $4.67 billion over five years to reinforce Arctic security through the Over-the-Horizon Radar project.

  • Signing a strategic partnership with Telesat and MDA Space to deliver the ESCP-P program in December.

  • Announcing that Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) has been selected as the preferred supplier to begin negotiations for delivering Canada’s next fleet of submarines to the Royal Canadian Navy.

• The Defence, Security and Resilience Bank will provide long-term, low-cost financing for defence, security, and resilience initiatives, helping to address critical financing gaps, with benefits for defence workers and industries, including small and medium-sized businesses.

• Canada launched Operation REASSURANCE in 2014 following Russia’s initial invasion of Ukraine. More than a decade later, it remains the Canadian Armed Forces’ largest overseas mission.

• Canada has been among Ukraine’s top supporters in the face of Russia’s aggression, committing over $25.5 billion in multifaceted assistance to Ukraine since 2022, including over $8.5 billion in military assistance.

• In February 2026, Canada extended Operation UNIFIER by an additional three years, to 2029, to ensure the Canadian Armed Forces can provide ongoing military training and capacity-building support to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Related products

• Backgrounder: Prime Minister Carney secures new defence partnerships at the 2026 NATO Summit

• Prime Minister Carney meets with President of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdoğan

• Prime Minister Carney meets with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy

• Prime Minister Carney meets with Prime Minister of the Netherlands Rob Jetten

• Prime Minister Carney meets with Chancellor of Germany Friedrich Merz

• Prime Minister Carney meets with Prime Minister of Denmark Mette Frederiksen

• Prime Minister Carney meets with President of Latvia Edgars Rinkēvičs

Associated links

• 2026 NATO Summit in Ankara

• Canada and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization

• Eight countries commit to supporting the Canada-led Defence, Security and Resilience Bank

From: Department of Justice Canada

News release

Over 80 targeted changes to the Criminal Code on bail and sentencing are now law

June 24, 2026 – London, ON – Department of Justice Canada

The Government of Canada has heard from communities across the country that public safety is an issue of grave concern, and we have taken action to help keep everyone in Canada safe. In particular, escalating copper theft jeopardizes both public safety and essential infrastructure, which is why the government introduced legislation to crack down on such crimes and hold offenders to account.

The Bail and Sentencing Reform Act (Bill C-14), with some of the most significant reforms to make bail and sentencing laws stronger, has passed into law, delivering on our commitment to strengthen the Criminal Code.

Shaped by extensive consultations and close collaboration with partners across the country, these reforms were backed by premiers from every province and territory, as well as mayors, and law enforcement who called for the Bill’s swift passage. The changes on bail and sentencing will come into force on July 15, 2026.

Stricter bail and sentencing laws

Bail and sentencing laws are now stricter for violent and organized crime, home invasion, car theft, and human trafficking. More specifically, the changes:

• make bail harder to get for those accused of repeat and violent offending by creating new reverse onus rules in certain cases, meaning the accused must show why they should be released

• direct police to detain an accused for a bail hearing when it is necessary to protect the public, including victims and witnesses

• require courts to consider more factors at bail hearings, including whether the allegations involve violence that was random or unprovoked

• require courts to consider whether the accused has numerous or serious outstanding charges when determining whether to grant them bail

• require courts to consider weapons bans in more cases

• require courts to look more closely at an accused person’s bail plan when a reverse onus applies; and

• prohibit courts from naming anyone as a surety (someone who supervises a person who is out on bail) who was convicted of a serious criminal offence in the past 10 years, unless no other suitable surety is available

• require consecutive sentences for violent auto theft and break and enter

• require consecutive sentences for extortion and arson

• require judges to consider consecutive sentences for repeat violent offending

Combatting crimes that damage essential infrastructure

The reforms would strengthen measures against repeat violent offenders and organized crime, including copper theft. More specifically, the changes:

• create a new aggravating factor for theft and mischief interfering with essential infrastructure

These changes are an important step, but laws alone are not enough. Their full impact will depend on implementation across the justice system. Provinces and territories are responsible for administering and resourcing key parts of that system, including policing, prosecution services, bail courts, bail supervision programs, provincial courts, jails, and victim services. The Government of Canada has acted swiftly to strengthen the law and will continue working with partners across the country to support effective implementation.

Changes to Canada’s Criminal Code were made stronger by the valuable input, expertise, close collaboration, and continued partnership of provinces, territories, law enforcement, mayors, victims’ advocates, and partners across the country who helped shape them.

In less than a year, Canada’s new government has delivered one of the most ambitious criminal justice reform agendas in recent memory, with three major bills to strengthen protections against hate crimes, make bail laws stricter and toughen sentences, better protect victims and survivors, and keep kids safe from predators.

As threats evolve, the Government of Canada will continue to move with urgency to strengthen Canada’s laws and keep Canadians safe.

Quotes

“Canada’s new government promised stricter bail laws and tougher sentencing laws. That promise is now law. With over 80 targeted changes to the Criminal Code, bail will be harder to get for repeat and violent offenders, and sentencing laws will be tougher for serious crimes. But this is only one part of the work. We are strengthening the Criminal Code, supporting the front lines, and investing in long-term prevention. I want to thank provincial and territorial governments, law enforcement, mayors, and partners across the country for their valuable input, expertise, and close collaboration. They helped make this legislation stronger. Now that these changes are law, effective implementation will be essential. I look forward to continuing to work with provinces, territories, and municipalities to help ensure these changes achieve their intended impact and help build safer communities.”

The Honourable Sean Fraser, P.C., K.C., M.P.
Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

“Canadians and Londoners voted for stronger bail and sentencing laws and we are delivering. With Bill C-14 receiving royal assent these changes are now in effect protecting our community with over 80 targeted changes to the Criminal Code. These changes will help combat a multitude of crimes such as the theft of copper from critical infrastructure through the strengthening of measures against repeat offenders and organized crime.”

The Honourable Arielle Kayabaga
Member of Parliament for London West

“The passage of Bill C-14 marks an important step forward in strengthening public safety, improving accountability for repeat and violent offenders, and restoring confidence in Canada’s justice system. By advancing bail and sentencing reforms and addressing offences targeting critical infrastructure, including copper theft, this legislation delivers practical measures to protect communities, essential services, and Canadians.”

Peter Fragiskatos
Member of Parliament for London Centre

“For years, Ontario has been at the forefront of calls for meaningful Criminal Code and bail reform. This legislation marks an important step forward in strengthening public safety and delivering the long-awaited reforms Canadians have been calling for. Ontario welcomes these changes and will continue working with the federal government to advance further Criminal Code and bail reforms that help keep dangerous and repeat offenders off our streets and ensure the justice system has the tools it needs to protect communities.”

The Honourable Doug Downey
Attorney General of Ontario

“The legislated changes included in Bill C-14 recognize the serious impacts of organized crime and chronic and violent offenders within our communities. By passing Bill C-14, the federal government has prioritized public safety and led change that will protect Canadians from preventable harm.”

Thomas Carrique, C.O.M
OPP Commissioner and President of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police

“The Police Association of Ontario (PAO) welcomes the Royal Assent of Bill C-14, marking a significant milestone in advancing bail reform for violent and repeat offenders. We are grateful to the federal government for inviting our input and for recognizing the urgent need to enhance community safety. Importantly, these reforms also support the safety of frontline police personnel who put themselves at risk every day to protect the communities they serve. With two-thirds of Ontarians believing our current system is not strict enough in bail decisions for violent and repeat offenders, Bill C-14 addresses some of these concerns and represents a positive step forward. We look forward to continuing our partnership with all stakeholders to further strengthen our justice system and keep Ontarians and our members safe.”

Mark Baxter
President of the Police Association of Ontario

“This has been a major concern for me as Chief and for our officers. This legislation is an important move toward better protecting our communities, and includes positive changes that police associations and chiefs have long advocated for, such as consecutive sentences and reverse onus. Far too often, repeat offenders with multiple outstanding charges are back in our communities. While decisions ultimately lie with the courts, public and officer safety must remain a top priority within our justice system.”

Stephen Tanner
Chief of Police, Halton Regional Police Service

“On behalf of the City of London, I want to thank Minister Fraser and the Liberal government for taking this important step to strengthen our bail and sentencing laws. Londoners, like communities across the country, want to know that their neighbourhoods are safe and that those who commit serious and repeat offences are held accountable.

This legislation responds to concerns that municipalities, police services and community leaders have raised repeatedly, and represents meaningful progress in addressing public safety challenges. At the same time, we know that keeping our communities safe requires more than legislation alone. It requires strong partnerships, effective implementation and continued investment in prevention, enforcement and rehabilitation supports.

The City of London will continue working alongside our policing partners, all levels of government and community organizations to build a safer, stronger city where residents feel confident and supported.”

Josh Morgan
Mayor of City of London

“Public safety is the first responsibility we owe to our community, and public confidence in the justice system rests on a straightforward expectation: that those who pose a serious risk are not released on bail to harm someone else. The London Police Service welcomes the passage of the Bail and Sentencing Reform Act. We stand with police leaders across Ontario and Canada who advocated for these changes, and we stand with the victims — in London and across this country — whose experiences made the case that the status quo was not working.

The new reverse-onus provisions, closer scrutiny of release plans, and tougher sentencing for repeat and violent offenders are meaningful reforms. But legislation is only as effective as the system built to deliver it. Courts, Crown offices, and supervision supports must be adequately resourced, or the intent of this law will not be fully realized in our communities.

The officers of the London Police Service will implement these changes with the same professionalism and commitment to fairness they bring to every call. Our community deserves a justice system that is both firm and fair — and we will continue to work toward that.”

Chief Thai Truong
London Police Service

“I’m pleased with this legislation announcement and specifically that it recognizes actions interfering with essential infrastructure, including copper theft. The government’s consultation process was very positive and the efforts to both deter these crimes and strengthen bail and sentencing measures is a major step forward. Copper theft represents not only a significant threat to critical infrastructure, but also to the safety of our workers and the communities we serve.

London Hydro has been working alongside our partners at the London Police Service to address this growing problem, and I would like to thank them for their ongoing collaboration.”

Ysni Semsedini
Chief Executive Officer, London Hydro

Quick facts

• The changes on bail and sentencing will come into force on July 15, 2026. Some changes to the Youth Criminal Justice Act will come into force later by order in council.

• With these sweeping reforms now law, effective implementation across the justice system by all provincial and territorial governments will be essential.

• The Government of Canada has introduced four bills since the fall of 2025 to strengthen criminal laws – the Combatting Hate Act, the Bail and Sentencing Reform Act, the Protecting Victims Act, and the Lawful Access Act. Combined, these reforms are designed to enhance public safety and ensure that serious crimes are met with serious punishments.

• Working collaboratively with provinces and territories, the Government of Canada is also making available up to $250,000 to each jurisdiction to support more standardized and consistent national bail data collection, reporting, and analysis. Better national bail data will help governments measure what is working, identify gaps, and ensure the bail system continues to protect public safety.

Related products

• Open letter to provincial and territorial governments

• Backgrounder: Bail and Sentencing Reform Act: Legislation makes bail laws stricter and toughens sentencing laws

Associated links

• News release: Canada’s sweeping bail and sentencing reforms become law

• Infosheet: Federal, Provincial and Territorial Responsibilities in Canada’s Criminal Justice System

• Backgrounder: The Bail Process

• Joint Statement by Ministers Fraser, Anandasangaree, and Secretary of State Sahota following the Federal-Provincial-Territorial Meeting of Ministers of Justice and Public Safety - Canada.ca

• Video and Photo Gallery

From: Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada

News release

Taking care

The Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Crisis Line provides free and confidential support to any person in Canada impacted by the issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people.  The toll-free line is available 24/7 at 1-844-413-6649.

June 3, 2026 — Ottawa, Ontario — Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada

Today marks the fifth anniversary of the 2021 Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People National Action Plan: Ending Violence Against Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People.

On this day, the Government of Canada is releasing the 2025-26 Federal Pathway Annual Progress Report. It is a moment to reflect on progress made while recognizing the important work that continues, guided by Indigenous women, girls, 2SLGBTQI+ people, survivors and families through trauma-informed and Indigenous-led solutions.

The 2025–26 Federal Pathway Annual Progress Report highlights federal efforts across several themes, including culture, health and wellness, human safety and security, and justice. Here are some examples of progress made over the past year:

• 163 Calls for Justice were advanced through 171 initiatives led by 28 federal departments and agencies.

• 38 partnerships were established with urban Indigenous organizations to expand culturally safe registration services at 65 service points through the Trusted Source program to overcome barriers preventing access to essential services and benefits linked to registration.

• 33 projects were delivered through the Supporting Indigenous Women’s and 2SLGBTQI+ Organizations program to create opportunities to empower and engage Indigenous women’s and 2SLGBTQI+ organizations in decision-making processes that impact their lives.

• Funding for new Indigenous-led shelters and transition homes through the Family Violence Prevention Program to support awareness activities for Indigenous people facing gender-based violence and to help respond to violence and support prevention before risks escalate.

• Investments were made in Indigenous storytelling through the Indigenous Screen Office, Changing Narratives Fund and Northern Aboriginal Broadcasting to increase Indigenous storytelling on screens and radio, as well as to support access to language and cultural content.

• Over 8,200 Indigenous households have gained high-speed Internet, promoting safety and connectivity.

• Stronger protections for victims were introduced through the Protecting Victims Act (Bill C-16). If passed, this bill would reform the Criminal Code to address gender‑based violence, including against Indigenous women and girls, drawing on recommendations and input from Indigenous partners as well as the Calls for Justice.

• Culturally grounded, trauma-informed support was offered to families of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people throughout Canada by helping them access all available information they are seeking about their loved ones from multiple government sources through Family Information Liaison Units.

• Cultural safety and anti-racism learning products and leadership programs were piloted through the National Circle for Indigenous Medical Education to drive systemic change in medical education.

• Investments in Indigenous-led approaches through the National Action Plan to End Gender-based Violence have shaped local and regional responses to address gender-based violence and enabled over 186,000 people to access culturally appropriate resources in 2024–2025.

• Over the past 5 years, Women and Gender Equality Canada has provided $55 million to more than 100 First Nations, Métis and Inuit organizations across all provinces and territories to provide gender-based violence prevention programming aimed at addressing the root causes of violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people.

Five years after releasing the National Action Plan, the Government of Canada continues its work to end this national crisis, alongside First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples, other levels of government, institutions, and individuals in Canada.

Quotes

“This day is both an opportunity to recognize significant progress and a reminder of our collective responsibility to do more. The 2025–2026 Federal Pathway Annual Progress Report demonstrates continued federal action and partnership with survivors, families, and communities to advance the Calls for Justice and support Indigenous-led solutions that improve safety, healing, and justice.”

The Honourable Rebecca Alty
Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations

“As we mark the fifth anniversary of the National Action Plan, we honour the Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people whose lives have been taken, and the families who continue to carry this loss every day. While progress has been made, this crisis is far from over. We remain committed to advancing the Calls for Justice and supporting Indigenous-led solutions that help keep Indigenous people safe.”

The Honourable Mandy-Gull-Masty
Minister of Indigenous Services

“The 2025–26 Federal Pathway Annual Progress Report reflects continued efforts to support Indigenous‑led safety, healing, and prevention initiatives that make a real difference in communities, no matter how remote. This anniversary is also a powerful reminder that addressing violence requires sustained collaboration, both within the community and across the country, amplifying northern and Indigenous voices and getting behind solutions to affect change.”

The Honourable Rebecca Chartrand
Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs

“Five years after the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQI+ People National Action Plan was launched, we know there is still urgent work ahead. Through the National Action Plan to End Gender-based Violence, we are supporting Indigenous-led, culturally grounded initiatives that are strengthening prevention, healing, and community safety across Canada. We will continue working alongside Indigenous partners, survivors, families, provinces, and territories to end this crisis.”

The Honourable Rechie Valdez
Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism)

“We remain committed to partnering with Indigenous communities and organizations, law enforcement and all levels of government to end violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people. Through continued collaboration, we are advancing Indigenous‑led, culturally grounded approaches that contribute to a safer Canada for all communities.”

The Honourable Gary Anandasangaree
Minister of Public Safety

“Advancing justice for Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people requires sustained action and accountability. We continue working to ensure that Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people are safe and can access the protections, support services and justice they deserve. Through continued collaboration and action, we are working to build a justice system that is more responsive, culturally informed, and equitable.”

The Honourable Sean Fraser
Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

“As we mark five years since the National Action Plan, we recognize both the progress made and the urgent work that remains to end this ongoing crisis. Through investments in Indigenous storytelling, languages and cultural expression, we are amplifying Indigenous voices, challenging harmful narratives, and advancing the Calls for Justice in partnership with Indigenous Peoples.”

The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages

Quick facts

• The Federal Pathway is Canada’s contribution to the broader 2021 Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People National Action Plan developed in partnership with Indigenous Peoples, survivors, families, Indigenous women’s organizations, and provincial and territorial governments in response to the final report from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (National Inquiry).

• The National Inquiry’s 231 Calls for Justice vary in shared responsibility:

  • 29 Calls for Justice exclusively call upon the federal government;

  • 186 Calls for Justice collectively call upon the federal, provincial, and territorial governments;

  • 6 Calls for Justice exclusively call upon provincial and territorial governments; and,

  • 10 Calls for Justice exclusively call upon non-government actors.

• The fourth annual National Indigenous-Federal-Provincial-Territorial Meeting on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQI+ People was held on February 11-12, 2026, in Ottawa, Ontario. Topics included: combatting human trafficking, the Red Dress Alert pilot project in Manitoba, and creating stronger safety, prevention and mitigation measures to improve the safety of Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ in the context of major projects and other resource development projects.

Related products

• 2025-2026 Federal Pathway Annual Progress Report

Associated links

• Federal Pathway to Address Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People

• Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People National Action Plan

• Reclaiming Power and Place: The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls

May 14, 2026
Ottawa, Ontario

News Release

The world is changing rapidly. The United States is upending global trade, wars are ongoing in Europe and the Middle East, artificial intelligence is scaling at speed, and climate change is intensifying. In response, Canada’s new government is focused on what we can control: building an affordable, competitive, and sustainable Canadian economy. Central to this mission is supplying and controlling our own energy.

Electricity is the clear solution to Canada’s energy security, affordability, and competitiveness. Canada already has an 80% clean grid and some of the lowest electricity costs in the G7. As our economy and our industries become more energy-intensive, electricity demand in Canada is expected to double by 2050. This is an enormous opportunity for Canada to build a sustainable, affordable future.

To that end, Canada’s new government is launching a new National Electricity Strategy. This plan will double the capacity of our grid by 2050 and supply clean, reliable, affordable power across the country for decades to come. To develop this strategy, today, we are launching consultations with provinces, territories, Indigenous Peoples, utilities, and unions. Over the next few months, we will work together to identify the actions needed to double our grid most effectively and affordably.

This transformation will not only build a more sustainable Canada, but also a more affordable Canada. Canada’s National Electricity Strategy could deliver up to $15 billion in total energy savings by 2050 and lower total energy costs for 7 in 10 Canadian households. Realising these savings will require a willingness to use a wide range of energy – including natural gas. That’s why we intend to adjust clean electricity regulations to provide the flexibility needed to keep energy costs for all Canadian families reliable and affordable, while reducing emissions and building the clean energy system of the future.

This strategy will require major investments to generate more clean energy, connect our fragmented electricity grids, train and retain tens of thousands of skilled Canadian workers, and strengthen Canadian manufacturing so more of the technologies powering our grid are made here at home.

The strategy will be guided by four pillars:

1. Build the infrastructure needed to double Canada’s electricity generation

   • This will require generational investments in generation, transmission, distribution, storage, and grid modernisation. These new consultations will explore how to most effectively finance the build-out, to spread the costs over time to match the benefits, keeping energy affordable and our country competitive.

2. Connect Canada’s fragmented grids East-West-North through new and expanded transmission lines

   • Canada’s electricity system is currently fragmented across provincial and territorial grids, costing us billions of dollars in outages, duplicative infrastructure, and wasted power. These consultations will tackle common barriers to interprovincial interties so we can unite our grids and deliver more reliable, affordable power to all Canadians.

3. Train, attract, and retain the talent needed to build the grid of the future

   • Doubling the grid will require more than 130,000 high-skilled workers by 2050. Through these consultations, the federal government will work with industry, labour, and training partners to develop solutions to train, attract, and retain the talent needed to build and maintain the grid of the future.

4. Make more of the technologies and components powering our grid here at home

   • As we build the clean economy of the future, Canada’s new government is ensuring our industries can bridge to seize its opportunities. These consultations will explore how to grow domestic manufacturing capacity so that more of the components powering our grid are made in Canada.

As part of our comprehensive focus on affordability, we are also expanding support for energy-saving retrofits for up to one million households through financing, grants, and complementary measures. This includes making it easier for Canadians to transition from expensive propane, oil, and electric baseboard heating to more affordable electric heat pumps.

The work of doubling our grid is already underway. Through the Major Projects Office (MPO), we are advancing clean electricity generation projects – including hydroelectric projects like the Taltson Hydro Expansion in the Northwest Territories and the Iqaluit Nukkiksautiit Hydro Project in Nunavut, nuclear generation projects such as Darlington New Nuclear in Ontario, clean electricity transmission lines like the North Coast Transmission Line in British Columbia, and major wind developments like Wind West in Nova Scotia. To build more transmission intertie projects specifically, we will refer the development of a new comprehensive Transmission InterConnect Investment Strategy to the MPO.

In parallel, we are making Canada the best place in the world to build and invest in clean energy – from the clean economy investment tax credits and other investment incentives, to tightened methane regulations and strengthened industrial carbon pricing. We are accelerating approvals for critical mineral development and low-carbon housing. Through our Climate Competitiveness Strategy, we are unlocking hundreds of billions in investment across nuclear, hydro, wind, solar, and grid infrastructure, while making electric vehicles more affordable for Canadians.

In a more dangerous and volatile world, Canada is choosing to build. Our new National Electricity Strategy will deliver clean, affordable, and reliable energy systems built by Canadians, for Canadians.

Quotes

“In a rapidly changing and more volatile world, Canada is taking control of our future. With our new National Electricity Strategy, we will build at scale and speed to double our grid and power Canada strong with clean, affordable, reliable energy for all generations. When we master energy, we master our destiny.”

— The Rt. Hon. Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada

“Canada is seizing the moment to drive economic growth and secure our energy future with bold action and ambition. This new National Electricity Strategy complements our government’s efforts to advance major projects in the electricity and energy sectors. With this strategy, we are not just building the grid of the future – we are building a stronger, more competitive Canada.”

— The Hon. Dominic LeBlanc, President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade, Intergovernmental Affairs, Internal Trade and One Canadian Economy

“Canada has a clear advantage: one of the cleanest power grids in the world. Clean electricity is helping fight climate change by cutting emissions. Through the National Electricity Strategy, we are building on that strength to drive innovation, power economic growth, and keep Canadian industries competitive, while creating good jobs and positioning Canada to lead in the global clean energy economy.”

— The Hon. Julie Aviva Dabrusin, Minister of the Environment, Climate Change and Nature

“Countries around the world are waking up to the fact that a modern economy needs a modern power grid, and that energy security is national security. When it comes to electricity, Canada starts from a place of strength – but it’s time to build on that so we have a strong, affordable, sovereign grid for years to come. Working alongside provinces, territories, Indigenous Peoples, and industry, we will keep reliability high and bills low as we expand clean power for all Canadians and connect our grids from coast to coast to coast.”

— The Hon. Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources

“Canada is building a faster, more reliable, and more connected electric grid to strengthen our economy and support Canadian workers and businesses. Our National Electricity Strategy will help attract investment, accelerate electrification, and ensure industries across the country have access to clean, affordable, and reliable power. At a time of rising tariffs and trade uncertainty, we’re investing in Canada’s industrial capacity and economic resilience so Canadian businesses can compete, grow, and lead in the clean energy future.”

— The Hon. Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

“Canadian workers are the foundation of our economic strength. Through the collaborative work of the Workforce Alliances, we will focus efforts on skills training, retraining, and retention to ensure that workers are ready to meet today’s challenges, including in electricity. This builds on the $6 billion investment through the 2026 Spring Economic Update’s Team Canada Strong initiative to recruit, train, and hire skilled trade workers. Together, these efforts create new opportunities, providing the talent needed to double the capacity of our grid by 2050 and supply clean, reliable, affordable power across the country.”

— The Hon. Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario

Quick facts

• Today, approximately 80% of all electricity generation in Canada is non-emitting.

• Canada has the lowest residential electricity costs in the G7, the second-lowest industrial electricity costs in the G7 and the OECD, and the second-highest share of clean energy generation in the G7.

• Approximately $3 trillion is spent globally every year on electricity grids, efficiency, and electrification – with clean energy deployment accounting for the majority of new additions to electricity generation. By 2030, renewables are set to contribute the highest share of global electricity generation, according to the International Energy Agency.

• Canada’s new government is already advancing strategic investments in the modernisation and expansion of Canada’s electricity infrastructure, including:

  • Major clean economy Investment Tax Credits, such as those for clean electricity, clean technology, and carbon capture, utilisation, and storage.

  • Strategic financing through the Canada Infrastructure Bank (with a $20 billion clean energy target), the Canada Growth Fund, and the Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program (envelope doubled from $5 billion to $10 billion).

  • Programming targeted at priority areas in the electricity sector, including the $4.5 billion Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program.

  • A new Productivity Super-Deduction – a set of enhanced tax incentives covering all new capital investment that allows businesses to write off a larger share of the cost of these investments right away.

  • The Electric Vehicle Affordability Program, which makes it more affordable for Canadians to buy or lease electric vehicles.

Related product

• Powering Canada Strong: A National Strategy for an Electrified Canadian Economy

From: Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

News release

Strengthening British Columbia’s life sciences sector by supporting projects that advance emerging Canadian technologies and enhance the innovation ecosystem

April 2, 2026 – Vancouver, British Columbia

Today, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, announced a combined $127 million in Strategic Response Fund (SRF) contributions to support two major life sciences projects from Aspect Biosystems and Providence Health Care (PHC) in Vancouver, British Columbia. A stronger life sciences sector means creating and supporting good jobs for Canadians, investing in cutting-edge innovation and ensuring long-term economic growth for Canada.

The Government of Canada is contributing $79 million to support Aspect Biosystems, a Vancouver-based biotechnology company pioneering the development of bioprinted tissue therapeutics. The Province of British Columbia has also supported Aspect Biosystems with $23.8 million to help them expand. To further support the growth of Canada’s life sciences ecosystem, the government is also investing $48 million in Providence Health Care, a non-profit health care network that provides health services and operates 18 facilities, including St. Paul’s Hospital, a renowned Vancouver-based acute care, teaching and research hospital. PHC is currently undertaking the construction of a health care campus consisting of the new St. Paul’s Hospital and Clinical Support and Research Centre (CSRC).

Aspect Biosystems is developing a new category of regenerative medicine designed to restore or supplement biological functions in the body and deliver functional cures for serious metabolic and endocrine diseases, including diabetes. These advanced therapies are developed using Aspect’s industry-leading platform, which integrates proprietary AI-powered bioprinting technology, stem cells, hypoimmune cell engineering and advanced biomaterials. The Government of Canada is deepening its partnership with Aspect Biosystems through a new $280 million project that will strengthen the company’s clinical development and biomanufacturing capabilities, enhance its AI-powered platform and accelerate its path to commercialization. These capabilities will help anchor commercial-scale manufacturing in Canada and reinforce the country’s leadership in bioprinted tissue therapeutics, and the company is expected to maintain 117 jobs and to create 283 new well-paying jobs, for a total of 400 jobs, and create 268 student co-op positions in the Vancouver region. This project leverages Aspect Biosystems’ strategic partnership with Novo Nordisk, which integrates its cell therapy capabilities into Aspect’s innovative therapeutic platform for the development of potentially transformative new therapeutics.

PHC’s project includes developing an innovation hub within the new CSRC, which will be directly connected via a skybridge to the new St. Paul’s Hospital on the Jim Pattison Medical Campus. The CSRC’s innovation hub will include core components such as data platforms and services, a clinical trials unit, a simulation centre, wet labs and an innovation centre. The hub is strategically designed to accelerate R&D and partnerships, as well as position PHC as a leader in data-driven health care innovation, equipped with AI-enabled clinical research environments for patient monitoring and data analysis.

PHC’s hub will create an incubator space for the development of new technologies and the scaling up of promising small and medium-sized companies. The innovation hub will also serve as a collaborative space accessible to partner organizations, Canadian life science companies and the Government of Canada, strengthening the country’s capacity to respond to future health emergencies. The organization will maintain 6,662 jobs and create 768 new well-paying full-time jobs, for a total of 7,430 full-time jobs, and it will create 597 co-op positions for students in the Vancouver region.

Canada is well positioned to be at the forefront of groundbreaking innovation, and the Government of Canada will invest strategically to leverage our country’s strengths in science. Through the SRF, the government is strengthening Canada’s domestic capacity to develop and manufacture innovative health solutions. Investing in next-generation biomedical technologies is essential to positioning our country as a global leader in emerging areas of biotechnology and medical research. Strengthening Canada’s health emergency resilience through targeted investments is an important priority in the recently announced Defence Industrial Strategy. Growing Canada’s life sciences sector is essential to the government’s plan to transform the Canadian economy from reliance to resilience.

Quotes

“Canada’s life sciences sector is entering a new era of momentum and possibility. Aspect Biosystems and Providence Health Care are turning bold ideas into breakthrough health solutions. By investing strategically, we’re accelerating that growth—helping innovators scale up, commercialize their discoveries and manufacture cutting-edge technologies right here at home. Our government is delivering results for Canadians by investing to create high-quality jobs and strengthen our economy for the next generation of scientific discoveries.”
– The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

“Investing in these projects will accelerate the development of innovative treatments while helping improve access to the medicines Canadians need. By encouraging collaboration across the life sciences sector, we are building a more resilient, modern and sustainable health care system for Canada.”
– The Honourable Marjorie Michel, Minister of Health

“Today’s investments demonstrate Canada’s leadership in biomanufacturing and AI-enabled health research to develop next-generation health care solutions. By supporting cutting-edge biomanufacturing in British Columbia, we are accelerating the development of transformative therapies for all Canadians, while strengthening our domestic capabilities and creating high-quality jobs across the province.”
– Taleeb Noormohamed, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation

“Through our Look West strategy, British Columbia is building a life sciences sector that is globally competitive and rooted here at home. By supporting projects that advance biomanufacturing, artificial intelligence, and clinical research, we’re growing a strong, resilient innovation ecosystem across the province. These investments will create good‑paying jobs, attract global partners, and ensure British Columbians see real economic and health benefits from homegrown innovation.”
– The Honourable Ravi Kahlon, British Columbia’s Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth

“This investment from the Government of Canada is a powerful vote of confidence and adds to the significant momentum at Aspect as we advance our bioengineered cellular medicines toward patient impact. We have built a truly world-class team with deep cell therapy development expertise and recently entered a new phase of our partnership with Novo Nordisk to develop curative medicines for diabetes, integrating key stem cell and hypoimmune cell engineering technologies under Aspect’s leadership. With this investment and the deepening of our partnership with the Government of Canada, we are taking a major step toward building a generational company anchored in Canada and delivering life-changing therapies to patients around the world.”
– Tamer Mohamed, Chief Executive Officer, Aspect Biosystems

“The Government of Canada’s investment in B.C.’s life sciences sector, including in Providence Health Care, is visionary and timely, further boosting our collective ability to find life-improving health care solutions for Canadians and people around the world. The $48 million investment in Providence will enable us to create a truly unique environment within the Clinical Support and Research Centre building, connected to the new St. Paul’s Hospital on the Jim Pattison Medical Campus. Specifically, the creation of a comprehensive Phase 1 to 3 clinical trials centre, simulation centre and health informatics data platform will support our vision to drive health and economic benefits for Canadians through accelerating breakthroughs for patients and supporting a thriving Canadian life sciences industry.”
– Fiona Dalton, President and CEO, Providence Health Care

Quick facts

• The Strategic Response Fund (SRF) helps Canadian industries innovate, adapt and compete in a changing global economy. The SRF supports large-scale, transformative projects that build economic resilience, strengthen supply chains and protect good jobs in key sectors such as steel, aluminum, automotive, forest products, AI and advanced technologies.

• Aspect Biosystems is a Vancouver-based private biotechnology company pioneering the development of bioprinted tissue therapeutics to treat serious metabolic and endocrine conditions, including diabetes. Aspect’s full-stack tissue platform combines proprietary AI-powered bioprinting technology and hypoimmune cell engineering to develop a targeted pipeline of bioengineered cellular medicines. The company is recognized as a leader in this field globally.

• In 2024, Aspect entered into an agreement with the Strategic Innovation Fund for $49 million in funding for Project Podium, which is currently in progress and aims to establish clinical-scale biomanufacturing capabilities for bioprinted tissue therapeutics, as well as advance Aspect’s platform capabilities and pipeline of bioprinted tissue therapeutics.

• In April 2023, Aspect and Novo Nordisk announced a collaboration, development and licence agreement to develop novel bioprinted tissue therapeutics to treat diabetes and obesity. The deal, worth up to US$2.6 billion, is the largest of its kind for a preclinical firm in Canada. In January 2026, the company and Novo Nordisk announced a new phase in their partnership, in which Aspect is integrating additional cell therapy technologies from Novo Nordisk into its platform and taking on additional research, development and manufacturing activities and capacity

• While officially founded in 2000, Providence Health Care’s roots go back to 1894, when five Catholic orders established medical centres in Vancouver, B.C. Today, Providence continues its legacy of excellence, respect, spirituality and integrity, while pursuing innovative solutions to transform care and research in Canada and beyond.

Associated links

• Biomanufacturing: Advancing life sciences industry in Canada

• Projects in the biomanufacturing, vaccine and therapeutics ecosystem

• Strategic Response Fund

• Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy

• Aspect Biosystems

• Providence Health Care

• Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences Sector Task Force

• Talent Attraction

March 31, 2026
Wakefield, Québec

The world is more dangerous and divided. In response, Canada’s new government is focused on what we can control: building a stronger, more independent, and more sustainable country. As we build Canada strong, we are protecting what matters most, including the magnificent land and waters we have inherited.

The beauty of Canada’s natural environment is increasingly under threat. Climate change, pollution, and industrialisation are causing global habitat loss, an increase in invasive species, and more destructive wildfires and floods. Tackling this issue is both a moral duty and an economic imperative.

To protect Canada’s lands and waters, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, today launched A Force of Nature: Canada’s Strategy to Protect Nature. With an investment of $3.8 billion, Canada’s new nature strategy will protect and restore critical habitats, ensure industrial strategies complement our conservation efforts, and mobilise new capital for nature. Canada’s new government will introduce new measures that:

1. Protect nature

In 2022, at the United Nations Biodiversity Conference in Montréal, Canada joined 195 other countries in committing to protect 30% of the world’s lands and waters by 2030. To advance this mission, our new strategy will:

• Fund up to 14 new marine protected and conserved areas, and at least 10 new national parks and fresh water national marine conservation areas. In addition, we will fund up to 10 new national marine conservation areas and 15 national urban parks.

  • This will protect at least 1.6 million km² of lands in Canada and up to 700,000 km² of oceans in Canada over the next four years.

  • This will increase our terrestrial conservation from 14% to 30% by 2030 and marine conservation from over 15% to 28%, on the way to 30% by 2030.

  • We will advance the Wiinipaakw Indigenous Protected Area and National Marine Conservation Area in Eastern James Bay, off Québec.

• Advance the Seal River Watershed National Park Reserve in Manitoba.

• Reinforce Indigenous-led conservation work by investing over $230 million to expand the Indigenous Guardians Program to establish a new Arctic Indigenous Guardians Program. This will enable better monitoring, land stewardship, and conservation leadership in Indigenous communities, while creating high-quality careers.

• Support the recovery of wood bison populations along the Alberta-Northwest Territories border through a $90 million investment into the Wood Buffalo National Park World Heritage Site Action Plan.

• Invest in the Ghost Gear Fund to further remove harmful fishing gear from Canada’s oceans. This will build on the 2,500 tonnes of abandoned fishing gear removed from Canada’s waters since 2020.

2. Build Canada well

As we create and preserve areas that protect our nature and wildlife, we have to build in ways that are conducive to our conservation efforts. Our new nature strategy will ensure decisions about where and how we build take into account what the land protects and provides. Canada’s new government will:

• Implement comprehensive mapping, environmental data collection, and artificial intelligence tools to identify Key Biodiversity Areas, accelerate permitting, improve decision-making, and help projects move forward more efficiently.

• Leverage regional assessments under the Impact Assessment Act to proactively address the effects of development on a region before project reviews. This enables more efficient decision-making and strengthens protections for species at risk across Canada.

• Avoid and minimise environmental impacts of development across Canada by leveraging tools such as the mitigation hierarchy, a framework that dictates which measures will be considered to offset the environmental impacts of a project.

• Launch efforts to develop Canada’s first National Water Security Strategy to ensure healthy freshwater ecosystems and reliable access to clean, safe drinking water. The Canada Water Agency will collaborate with Indigenous, provincial, and territorial partners to develop the strategy.

• Restore vulnerable wild Pacific salmon populations by investing more than $410 million into the Pacific Salmon Strategy Initiative.

• Invest in Canada’s Wild Atlantic Salmon Strategy, backed by more than $80 million, to stabilise and rebuild habitats.

• Strengthen the protection and recovery of species at risk across Canada to identify priority habitats and support the recovery and conservation of Canada’s wildlife.

3. Value and mobilise capital for nature

Our government will catalyse sustained private sector investments that help reverse the decline of nature. In Canada and around the world, innovative financing models are emerging to help direct private investment toward protecting nature. To capitalise on these tools, we will:

• Launch an Expert Taskforce on Natural Capital Accounting and Nature Financing in spring 2026. This taskforce will explore how to better account for the value of nature and how to integrate it into decision-making. It will also recommend new policies, incentives, and financing tools that encourage businesses and investors to support conservation.

Canada is the world’s second-largest country, with the world’s longest coastline and one of the world’s largest marine territories. Protecting our natural heritage is a task our government will deliver with the focus, ambition, and strategy it deserves. We will work with provincial and territorial governments, Indigenous Peoples, local governments, industry, and conservation organisations to deliver on our national and international commitments – and protect Canada’s natural environment for generations to come.

Quotes

“The beauty of Canada’s nature – from lakes and forests to mountains and coastlines – is central to our history, our identity, and our way of life. As Canadians, we have the responsibility to protect the lands and waters we have inherited. With unprecedented conservation efforts, the power of modern technology, and the wisdom of Indigenous traditions, our new nature strategy will protect what matters most and build a stronger, more sustainable Canada.”

— The Rt. Hon. Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada

“Canada’s strength has always been rooted in our connection to nature. From coast to coast to coast, nature is not just part of our landscape, it’s part of who we are as Canadians. Through strong partnerships with Indigenous, provincial, and territorial governments, and other stakeholders, we will expand the network of protected areas in Canada, invest in programs designed to accelerate conservation, and restore ecosystems. Protecting nature is not separate from building Canada – it’s central to it. This plan reflects who we are as a country: people who understand that our environment, our economy, and our communities are strongest when they grow together.”

— The Hon. Julie Aviva Dabrusin, Minister of the Environment, Climate Change and Nature

“A strong future for Canada depends on healthy, resilient oceans and freshwater. By investing in our wild Pacific Salmon Strategy Initiative and National Wild Atlantic Salmon Strategy, we are strengthening protections for aquatic species at risk as well as fish and fish habitat, tackling threats like ‘ghost gear’. This approach enables us to build healthier ecosystems and more sustainable and prosperous fisheries. This work positions Canada to build a stronger, more sustainable economy for years to come.”

— The Hon. Joanne Thompson, Minister of Fisheries

“Protecting nature and advancing reconciliation go hand in hand. By investing in the Indigenous Guardians Program, we are expanding Indigenous-led conservation efforts and creating good-paying jobs and greater economic opportunities. This is how we protect the lands and waters people depend on while also building stronger, more sustainable communities.”

— The Hon. Rebecca Alty, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations

“Canadians’ longstanding commitment to nature is undeniable, and our government is steadfast in its goal of protecting 30% of our lands and waters by 2030. ‘A Force of Nature’ presents a bold new vision to reach this target, driven by a results-oriented approach to protect and leverage our natural capital. To realise our ambitions, we will use all available economic levers to accelerate progress and reach our target. This is how we will accomplish the 30x30 goal.”

— The Hon. Nathalie Provost, Secretary of State (Nature)

Quick facts

• Canada has a vast amount of natural capital. It is home to 20% of the world’s total freshwater, 37% of the world’s lakes, 25% of the world’s wetlands, 24% of the world’s boreal forests, the world’s longest coastline, and one of the world’s largest marine territories. It also provides essential habitat for approximately 80,000 species.

• The 2022 United Nations Biodiversity Conference in Montréal advanced key commitments to identify critical areas for our biodiversity and ecosystems – and to conserve those habitats, in turn helping reverse the effects of climate change.

• The federal government administers 6% of the land in Canada, of which 4.7% is protected. Provinces and territories manage 76% of the land, Indigenous Peoples 6%, and private owners 12%. In the marine environment, the federal government has primary control, managing environmental protection in collaboration with provinces, territories, and Indigenous Peoples.

• The federal government’s nature agreements with partners such as British Columbia and the First Nations Leadership Council, Québec, Nova Scotia, the Yukon, the Northwest Territories, and Indigenous governments are already helping identify and conserve areas rich in biodiversity, while supporting local communities.

• The Government of Canada is leading a collaborative effort with Indigenous Peoples and the governments of Alberta and the Northwest Territories to deliver on a multi-year action plan to address concerns regarding the conservation of the natural heritage elements, for which Wood Buffalo National Park is recognised as a World Heritage site.

Associated link

• A Force of Nature: Canada’s Strategy to Protect Nature

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From: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence.html

News release

March 16, 2026 – Ottawa – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

Amid a more complex and unpredictable security environment, Canada is taking decisive actions to strengthen its security and sovereignty and to reinforce the resilience and long-term strength of the country.

Today in Ottawa, the Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence, announced an historic $200 million investment in core infrastructure for a Canadian-owned spaceport, along with other major new space-related capabilities and initiatives. This marks a significant step forward in Canada’s sovereign space program as outlined in Security, Sovereignty, Prosperity: Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy.

Canadian-owned spaceport

Demand for timely and resilient launch options are at historic highs worldwide and sovereign access to space has become a critical capability underpinning national security, economic competitiveness, and reliable access to essential space‑based services.

The investment is a 10‑year, $200‑million agreement to lease a dedicated space‑launch pad that will serve as the central foundation for a multi-user spaceport near Canso, Nova Scotia. Operated by Maritime Launch Services, this spaceport will support the operational needs of the Department of National Defence (DND), the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), and the wider Government of Canada, while also offering ad hoc access to allies and partners.

Launch the North

Minister McGuinty also announced was the selection of innovators for the first round of the Innovation for Defence Exellence and Security (IDEaS) program’s Launch the North contest. This contest is providing $105 million in multi-year grants to support the development and demonstration of breakthrough technologies to advance Canada’s sovereign space launch capabilities. The goal of this challenge is to enable the launch of Canadian payloads from Canadian soil, achieving an initial light lift operational capability by 2028. For the first round of this contest, the following three highly ranked applicants have each been conditionally approved for $8.3 million in funding:

• NordSpace – NordSpace Tundra Canadian Responsive Scalable Launch

• Canada Rocket Company - Canadian Sovereign Launch Capability Development (R1)

• Reaction Dynamics - Aurora-8 Responsive Launch Vehicle

These innovators will move their ideas from concept to prototype and testing, helping Canada build the technical readiness and partnerships required for a future sovereign launch capability.

NATO STARLIFT

In recognition of Canada’s firm commitment to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Minister McGuinty announced that Canada intends to become a full member of the NATO STARLIFT initiative. STARLIFT is a NATO High Visibility Project, which aims to develop a more resilient, responsive and cost-effective network of space launch capabilities to help Allies launch assets at short notice from spaceports across the Alliance.

Sovereign launch program

These announcements support Security, Sovereignty, Prosperity: Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy, which establishes a long-term framework to develop a robust Canadian defence industry that provides technological and operational advantage to the CAF and its security partners in their mission to defend Canada, and maximizes growth, job creation and economic benefits for all Canadians. Within the strategy, space launch is identified as a key sovereign capability.

Canada is taking a major step toward securing its future in the rapidly evolving space domain by advancing a core pillar of its emerging sovereign launch program, first outlined in Budget 2025. This effort positions the country to launch satellites and payloads from Canadian soil, on Canadian‑built rockets, at Canadian‑run facilities. The sovereign launch program outlines how Canada will leverage a variety of tools, including directed procurements, grant and contribution programs, support from Crown Corporations, and regulatory changes, to advance sovereign capabilities.

As global demand for space launch services continues to surge, countries around the world are investing in responsive, reliable, and independent space access. Canada’s decision to partner with Maritime Launch Services reflects a forward‑looking commitment to our security, sovereignty, and economic prosperity, while positioning itself to meet strategic needs and fuelling domestic innovation and industry growth.

Quotes

“Today, we build on Canada’s proud legacy as a nation of innovators, explorers, and builders. With this step, we are not only advancing our capabilities here on Earth—we are reaffirming our place among the spacefaring nations shaping the future beyond it. Because in the decades ahead, our security, our prosperity, and our sovereignty will increasingly extend beyond our atmosphere.

Canada will be there.

Ad Astra Defendimus”

The Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence

“Space is fundamental to modern military operations. The Canadian Armed Forces rely on space-enabled capabilities for everything from communications and navigation to awareness of the operating environment. Strengthening Canada’s ability to operate in space will help ensure we continue to build the warfighting capabilities needed to defend Canada and contribute to allied operations in an increasingly complex security environment.”

General Jennie Carignan, Chief of the Defence Staff

“Located on Canada’s Atlantic coast, Spaceport Nova Scotia offers safe over-ocean launch corridors and access to highly sought-after orbital inclinations, providing a unique capability that only a limited number of global launch locations can support. Spaceport Nova Scotia helps address a global launch capacity bottleneck, where demand for access to orbit continues to outpace available launch infrastructure.”

Stephen Matier, President and CEO, Maritime Launch Services Inc.

“Space is strategically vital to modern defence and represents a major economic opportunity for Canada. With world-class capabilities across our space ecosystem, Canada must adopt policies and make investments that enable our space industrial base. A key step is further developing a sovereign space launch capability in Canada, ensuring we can support growing global demand while protecting both our economic and national security interests.”

Brian Gallant, CEO of Space Canada

“This selection is a clear signal that the Department of National Defence recognizes the urgent need for a scalable, sovereign pathway to orbit. At Canada Rocket Company, we’ve assembled a team with over 100 years of combined orbital launch experience - bringing world-class Canadian talent back home to secure Canada’s strategic autonomy through assured access to space. This funding provided through the IDEaS program helps accelerate development timelines and further catalyzes private investment in the space sector.”

Hugh Kolias, Chief Executive Officer, Canada Rocket Company

“Today, our nation has sent an unequivocal signal that Canada too will become a spacefaring nation capable of assured access to space. For NordSpace, sovereign launch is certainly about securing our national interests, building a stronger economy, and supporting our allies. However, it is also about healthier food on our plates, clearer communication with loved ones, faster responses to environmental challenges, reshoring advanced manufacturing, and revivifying Canadian dynamism. At NordSpace, we have been working for years to develop scalable end-to-end space launch capabilities for Canada, so we thank the Government of Canada and IDEaS for accelerating our company to launch the north.”

Rahul Goel, Chief Executive Officer and Founder, NordSpace

“The moment has arrived. For nearly a decade, Reaction Dynamics has championed a new class of launch capability: storable, stockpiled, and Canadian-controlled. Thanks to the Department of National Defence through the IDEaS program, its Launch the North challenge now brings that vision to life, ensuring Canada and its allies can access space even in the most contested domains.”

Bachar Elzein, Chief Executive Officer & Chief Technical Officer, Reaction Dynamics Inc.

Quick facts

• Budget 2025 announced an investment of $182.6M over the next three years to establish a sovereign launch program. That program includes capability development, led by DND’s Defence Research and Development Canada, and launch infrastructure, led by the Royal Canadian Air Force and supported by DND’s Assistant Deputy Minister (Infrastructure and Environment).

• Reliable and independent launch access will enable Canada to place critical satellites into orbit even during global uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, or disruptions in foreign launch markets. With military, emergency response, and government services increasingly dependent on space-based systems, sovereign launch protects national interests and enables continuity of operations.

• The 10-year lease agreement stipulates that Maritime Launch Services must provide a dedicated launch pad and associated services at an initial operational capability state by the end of 2026. It also stipulates that 90% of the funds received by the company from the lease must be spent in Canada. That means at least $180 million going back to Canadian businesses.

• IDEaS is DND’s innovation program that helps Canadian innovators develop solutions to defence and security challenges through competitive funding and targeted challenge calls.

• The IDEaS program’s Launch the North is designed to accelerate Canadian space launch-related innovation and to strengthen the foundations needed for future sovereign launch capability. A total of $105 million is planned for investment in this challenge, with $25 million allocated for fiscal year 2025–26, followed by $40 million annually in fiscal years 2026–27 and 2027–28.

• Projects were selected through a competitive, merit-based process considering criteria such as technical merit, feasibility, team capability, impact, and alignment with defence and security priorities.

• The global space economy is expected to reach approximately $2 trillion by 2040. Investing in sovereign launch capability now means that Canadians and their businesses can benefit for decades to come.

• This investment supports a stronger, more connected Canadian space ecosystem—bringing together industry, academia, and research organizations. They will help grow high-value jobs, strengthen Canadian supply chains, and position Canadian firms to compete in the global space economy—while supporting defence and security objectives.

Associated links

• https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence.html

• https://www.canada.ca/en/air-force/corporate/space.html

• https://www.canada.ca/en/defence-research-development.html

• https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/corporate/organizational-structure/assistant-deputy-minister-infrastructure-environment.html

• https://www.facebook.com/NationalDefenceGC/

• https://x.com/NationalDefence?lang=en

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March 12, 2026 Yellowknife, Northwest Territories

Canada’s North is going through a period of profound change. The world is becoming more dangerous and divided. The assumptions that shaped decades of Canadian defence and security are being upended. Climate change is causing our Arctic region to warm nearly three times faster than the global average, a shift that great powers are actively looking to exploit.

For decades, previous Canadian governments have taken measures to build and secure the North. But these lacked the scale and the breadth of strategy that this vast region demands. Canada’s new government has the ambition and capacity to do this, and Prime Minister Carney is acting with our Territorial and Indigenous partners to seize the opportunity. We are moving forward with a comprehensive plan backed by over $40 billion, including more than $35 billion in federal investments to defend, build, and transform Canada’s Northern and Arctic region, and major projects that represent around $10 billion in investment.

Canada is moving from reliance to resilience. We will no longer depend on any one nation, and instead build a stronger, more independent country. With this new plan, Canada is taking full responsibility for defending our Arctic sovereignty. We will boldly develop the critical minerals, clean energy, and trade corridors – the full economic potential – of the region. At the centre of this plan are the 140,000 Northerners and Indigenous Peoples who will have stronger, more sustainable, more connected communities, greater opportunities, and a lower cost of living.

To these ends, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, today announced the following new measures, backed by generational investments.

To defend fully Canada’s Arctic and North, deter new threats, and support NATO Allies and NORAD continental defence, Canada’s new government is:

• Investing $32 billion at Forward Operating Locations in Yellowknife, Inuvik, and Iqaluit, and at Deployed Operating Base 5 Wing Goose Bay.

  • This will also build both military power and economic strength. It will enable the Canadian Armed Forces to defend the Arctic without the help of Allies, allowing Canada to take control of our Arctic security. This includes infrastructure upgrades such as airfield upgrades; new or repurposed hangars; ammunition and fuel facilities; and buildings and equipment for accommodations, warehousing, IT, and general support.

• Announcing two new Northern Operational Support Hubs (NOSHs) at Whitehorse and Resolute, and two new Northern Operational Support Nodes (NOSNs) at Cambridge Bay and Rankin Inlet, backed by an investment of $2.67 billion.

  • This network will enable the Canadian Armed Forces to deploy rapidly and support year-round response across the Arctic and North, no matter how remote.

• Investing $294 million in Arctic airports, including building a runway overlay and modernising Rankin Inlet Airport and upgrading Inuvik Airport.

  • This will ensure larger aircraft can land, connecting Northern communities to the rest of the country year-round to enable faster, more convenient, and lower-cost travel for both the military and civilians.

To connect, build, and transform Canada’s Arctic and Northern region, Canada’s new government is referring the following projects to the Major Projects Office:

• The Mackenzie Valley Highway

  • This 800 km-long highway will become a vital artery for the region, providing essential year-round access to Indigenous and remote communities in the Mackenzie Valley, building on an initial federal investment of over $100 million.

  • This road will connect Yellowknife to Inuvik, and open up commercial opportunities along the route.

• The Grays Bay Road and Port and the Arctic Economic and Security Corridor

  • These projects will connect Nunavut to the national highway system via the Northwest Territories and become Canada’s first overland connection to a deepwater port on the Arctic Ocean.

  • Together, these projects will connect strategic mineral deposits to national road networks and tidewater – linking Canada’s North to new global markets and ensuring reliable access to Canadian minerals.

  • The Grays Bay Road and Port is a proposed all-season road of approximately 230 km from the Nunavut border to a deepwater port and airfield at Grays Bay, on the strategic Arctic Ocean. The project includes a deepwater export terminal for minerals and an airstrip, which will both have dual-use civilian and military potential.

  • The Arctic Economic and Security Corridor project is a proposed all-season road of approximately 400 km through the Slave Geological Province to the Nunavut border, where it will connect with the Grays Bay Road.

  • Collectively, these projects will build the infrastructure required to advance potential copper, gold, and zinc mining projects, and support increased mining exploration activity.

• Taltson Hydro Expansion Project

  • This will add 60 megawatts to the existing hydro system, doubling the Northwest Territories’ hydro capacity and serving 70% of residents.

From day one, Canada’s new government has embarked on a mission to defend and build Canada’s North. During his first week in office, Prime Minister Carney announced a new plan to establish a stronger presence in the Arctic through BOREALIS, advancing cutting-edge research in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and other frontier technologies, while getting more boots on the ground. Today, the Canadian Armed Forces maintain a permanent presence in the Arctic and the North, including through Operation NANOOK. The government is already accelerating major projects such as the Iqaluit Nukkiksautiit Hydro Project and the Northwest Critical Conservation Corridor, and we have made significant investments to build local infrastructure and empower Northerners and Northern Indigenous communities with better housing, education, and access to health care.

Canada cannot rely on another country for our security and prosperity. By working in partnership with Territories and Indigenous partners to build out the full potential of a united, connected Northern region, we can give ourselves more than any one nation can take away. With this ambitious new plan, Canada is taking control of its future and building a stronger, more independent country.

Quotes

“After decades of limited and piecemeal investments in the North, Canada’s new government is acting with a scale of ambition worthy of this vast region and its peoples. We are securing every corner of this terrain, unlocking its vast resources, and delivering the strong, connected network of communities that Northerners deserve. In this new era, we cannot rely on other nations for our security and prosperity. We are defending and building together, the true North, strong and free.”

— The Rt. Hon. Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada

“These investments will continue to build the Defence team’s presence and responsiveness across the Arctic and the North, reinforce our ability to assert Canadian sovereignty, support community benefits where feasible, and contribute to NATO’s deterrence and defence priorities. Furthermore, Canada’s efforts to modernise our continental defences demonstrate our commitment to enabling the North American Aerospace Defense Command and the Canadian Armed Forces to defend against emerging threats to North America.”

— The Hon. David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence

“We are at a turning point where national security, energy sovereignty, and economic independence meet. In an era of increasing global instability, Canada’s Arctic – and the vast deposits of critical resources and energy it holds – is vital to our future in partnership with the territorial governments and Indigenous Peoples. Today’s announcement is a strong step toward ensuring that Northern regions and resources will be the gateway to a secure, sovereign, and prosperous future for all Canadians.”

— The Hon. Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources

“A competitive Canada and a secure Arctic depend on our ability to move people and goods safely and reliably across our vast North. Through the Arctic Infrastructure Fund, we will work with Indigenous Peoples, governments, and industry proponents to build the dual-use airports, seaports, and all-season corridors essential to reinforcing Canada’s supply chain resilience and opening new gateways to the world. These investments do more than bolster our security; they bridge the gap between our Northern potential and global markets, securing lasting prosperity from coast to coast to coast.”

— The Hon. Steven MacKinnon, Minister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons

“Today’s investments are about building a stronger future for the Northwest Territories and Nunavut, along with communities across the North and Canada. We’re working with local partners and Indigenous Peoples to advance projects that will create jobs, secure the Arctic, and strengthen critical infrastructure. By unlocking the North’s potential, we’re turning challenges into opportunities and building a more prosperous future, together.”

— The Hon. Rebecca Alty, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations

“The Arctic’s strength, potential, and identity shape who we are as a nation. By bolstering defence capabilities and strengthening critical infrastructure, we are amplifying the leadership, innovation, and momentum already driving the region forward – and building a stronger, more secure Canada. These investments honour the leadership of Indigenous partners and contribute to our shared vision of a strong, connected North.”

— The Hon. Rebecca Chartrand, Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs and Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency

Quick facts

• Today’s announcement builds on government investments in defence, infrastructure, and Northern development to strengthen and secure Canada’s presence in the Arctic and unleash the North’s economic potential. These include:

  • Streamlining major projects that will create approximately 11,000 jobs during construction.

  • Investing $6.5 billion in a new Arctic Over-the-Horizon Radar system, in partnership with Australia, to enhance early warning and surveillance across Arctic approaches.

  • Investing over $1.3 billion across multiple Northern infrastructure programs – supporting trade corridors, airports, marine safety, and community harbours – and leveraging more than $1.6 billion from partners to strengthen transportation and marine infrastructure in Arctic and Northern communities.

  • Investing $1 billion through the Arctic Infrastructure Fund for strategic transportation infrastructure for both civilian and military use – to strengthen Canada’s Arctic security and year-round defence readiness.

  • Dedicating approximately $420 million to strengthen the year-round presence and operational capability and capacity of the Canadian Armed Forces in the Arctic and the North.

  • Providing over $253 million to support energy projects, build and repair housing, and develop local infrastructure in Nunavut.

  • Streamlining, through the Major Projects Office, infrastructure that supports Arctic sustainability and resilience, including the Iqaluit Nukkiksautiit Hydro Project – a 100% Inuit-owned clean power initiative that reduces diesel dependency and strengthens community resilience in Nunavut.

  • Investing $30 million in top-up funding for Nutrition North Canada to make nutritious food and essential items like diapers more affordable in 124 isolated Northern communities by subsidising the cost of shipping.

  • Providing an additional $6.3 million through the Northern Isolated Community Initiatives Fund to support businesses, community groups, and innovators working on community-led food initiatives that benefit local production systems and increase food security in Indigenous communities and across the North.

  • Renewing the Inuit Child First Initiative with $115 million in funding to help Inuit children access health, social, and educational support.

  • Investing $27 million to combat tuberculosis through better prevention, screening, diagnosis, and treatment in Inuit Nunangat, in partnership with Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami.

  • Delivering 750 units of public, affordable, and supportive housing across Nunavut, including housing built off-site, in partnership with the Government of Nunavut and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, to address the territory’s critical housing shortage while advancing Inuit self-determination in housing delivery.

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• https://www.pm.gc.ca/en/news/backgrounders/2026/03/12/prime-minister-carney-announces-ambitious-new-plan-defend-build-and

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Cigar Lake, Cameco Uranium

March 2, 2026

New Delhi, India

In a rapidly changing world, Canada is focused on what we can control. We are building our economic strength at home and diversifying our partnerships abroad. As the world’s fastest-growing major economy, India presents extraordinary opportunities. With a population of 1.4 billion, its energy demand is increasing faster than anywhere else in the world – equal to that of China and Southeast Asia combined. Canada is an energy and agricultural superpower, and a leader in critical minerals, artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced manufacturing – precisely the sectors India is scaling at speed.

Canada and India have had an historically strong, productive relationship. In 2024, total direct and indirect Canadian investment in India surpassed $110 billion. As both our nations embark on parallel missions to build and transform our respective economies and diversify key supply chains, we are forging a new partnership to leverage each other’s strength and ambition.

To that end, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, visited Mumbai and New Delhi, India, this week. This marked the first bilateral visit to India by a Canadian Prime Minister since 2018. With this visit, in addition to ministerial and official level meetings, there has been more engagement between the Canadian and Indian governments this year than in any year over the past two decades.

In New Delhi, Prime Minister Carney met with the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi. Following their meeting, the leaders released a joint statement, welcomed five Memorandums of Understanding (MOU), and announced a broad range of ambitious initiatives that will renew and expand the Canada-India partnership across energy and critical minerals, technology and AI, talent and culture, and defence.

Foundational to the Canada-India strategic partnership is strong, stable cooperation in trade. In New Delhi, Prime Minister Carney and Prime Minister Modi confirmed that Canada and India will conclude a new Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) this year, following a meeting of chief negotiators in New Delhi and the finalisation and signing of the Terms of Reference for the CEPA. The CEPA will advance Canada’s goal to more than double two-way trade to $70 billion by 2030.

To leverage our strengths as complementary economies, Canada and India announced a new Strategic Energy Partnership, including in LNG, LPG, uranium, solar, and hydrogen. As the first steps, the leaders welcomed:

• A landmark $2.6 billion agreement between the Government of India and Saskatoon-based Cameco to supply nearly 22 million pounds of uranium to India for nuclear energy generation from 2027 to 2035.

• Two MOUs to intensify cooperation on critical minerals and energy sources, supporting technical and commercial engagement, and diversifying supply chains.

• Strengthened collaboration on clean energy initiatives in solar, wind, biofuels, and hydropower, including announcing that Canada intends to join the International Solar Alliance and is upgrading to full membership status in the Global Biofuels Alliance.

• Intensified engagement on LPG with the aim to conclude Canada’s first long-term LPG arrangement with India.

Canada and India have vibrant ties across commerce and culture, including through the over 1.8 million Canadians of Indian origin. To create more cultural and educational opportunities, Canada and India are strengthening our people-to-people ties through the following initiatives:

• The launch of the new Canada-India Talent and Innovation Strategy to deepen education collaboration, with 13 new partnerships between Canadian and Indian universities, a Dalhousie University innovation campus in partnership with the Indian Institute of Technology Tirupati and the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Tirupati, as well as new University of Toronto and McGill University Centres of Excellence in India.

• Greater student and faculty exchanges and research collaboration, including 300 funded Indian student researcher positions as well as up to $100 million from the University of Toronto for up to 200 fully funded scholarships for Indian students and outbound opportunities for Canadian students.

• $10 million in Indo-Pacific scholarships and fellowships under Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, including support for over 85 Canadian graduate students and researchers to study in and collaborate with leading Indian academics.

• An MOU on cultural cooperation, including collaboration and exchanges among institutions in the performing arts, visual arts, music, books, and other creative industries, as well as entertainment technologies.

Canada and India have immense strengths and growing ambitions in the technology sector, particularly in AI, quantum, and aerospace. To forge new partnerships for workers and businesses, the prime ministers also announced:

• The Canadian Space Agency and the Indian Space Research Organisation agreed to cooperate on Earth observation and intend to explore joint initiatives on space exploration and quantum technologies, leveraging space-based technologies to support innovation and disaster resilience.

• HCL Technologies, India’s third-largest IT services company, will expand its operations in Canada, increasing its workforce by 75% by 2030 and creating thousands of high-paying careers in Canada.

• An MOU under the Australia-Canada-India Technology and Innovation Partnership to formalise strengthened collaboration on the development and deployment of AI, as well as industry cooperation.

To build on this vital work, Prime Minister Carney extended an invitation to Prime Minister Modi to visit Canada.

To catalyse new investment in Canada, Prime Minister Carney met with business leaders across various sectors – including technology, manufacturing, and energy – with a combined market capitalisation of approximately $600 billion. The Prime Minister was accompanied by members of his Cabinet and parliamentarians, as well as senior executives from the nine major Canadian pension funds. They focused on the potential for new investments in and exports from Canada’s infrastructure, energy, manufacturing, mining, and defence sectors. The Canadian delegation emphasised Canada’s competitive advantages in energy, defence, agriculture, critical minerals, AI, quantum computing, and health technology – and its role as a premier destination for global capital and investment.

The visit saw more than 10 commercial agreements that will create thousands of careers in Canada, boost bilateral investment, and secure new opportunities for Canadian workers and businesses. Combined, these partnerships are worth over $5.5 billion, building the foundations for increased Canadian exports to India. In total, Canada’s new government has helped secure agreements worth $85 billion in global investment in the last 10 months.

Canada is a Pacific nation, and stronger ties in the Indo-Pacific are crucial to our security and sovereignty. Canada and India will increase defence cooperation, including maritime security, and identify opportunities for bilateral and multilateral naval activities to deepen interoperability and promote knowledge exchange, underscoring our shared commitment to security and resilience.

Importantly, building on progress made in recent talks, the leaders agreed to advance bilateral cooperation on security and law enforcement. This includes issues of mutual concern to Canada and India, such as the illegal flow of drugs, particularly fentanyl precursors, and transnational organised criminal networks. Prime Minister Carney also underscored that Canada will continue to take measures to combat transnational repression.

In 10 months, Canada has secured more than 20 economic and security partnerships across four continents, attracted unprecedented levels of new foreign investment, and renewed Canada’s relationships with global giants. Canada’s new government is building a stronger, more resilient, more independent Canadian economy.

Quote

“India is the fastest-growing major economy and a powerhouse of global commerce and technology. In a rapidly changing world, Canada and India are transforming their economies to be more diversified, more independent, and more resilient. Our strategic partnership, and the speed at which we are working to unleash its potential in energy, talent, and AI, is the result of two confident, ambitious nations who want to build the future, together.”

— The Rt. Hon. Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada

Quick facts

• This visit built on productive engagements undertaken this past year to advance cooperation between Canada and India and to revitalise the trade partnership:

  • Prime Minister Carney met with Prime Minister Modi at the G7’s Leaders’ Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, in June 2025, and at the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, in November 2025.

  • The Deputy Clerk of the Privy Council and National Security and Intelligence Advisor to the Prime Minister, Nathalie G. Drouin, travelled to India in September 2025 to meet with India’s National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval.

  • The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Anita Anand, visited India in October 2025 to meet with India’s Minister of External Affairs, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. They have met five times in five months.

  • The Minister of International Trade, Maninder Sidhu, visited India in November 2025 to meet with India’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal. Minister Goyal expects to bring a business delegation to Canada this year.

  • In January 2026, the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Tim Hodgson, attended India Energy Week in New Delhi, where he met with India’s Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, and senior Indian counterparts.

  • In February 2026, the Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, Evan Solomon, participated in the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, where he also met with senior Indian officials.

  • In February 2026, the Minister of Public Safety, Gary Anandasangaree, and the Deputy Clerk of the Privy Council and National Security and Intelligence Advisor to the Prime Minister, Nathalie G. Drouin, met with India’s National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval, during his visit to Canada.

• According to Statistics Canada, foreign direct investment into Canada is now the highest in almost 20 years.

• Canada is building a trading network that is the envy of the world, with preferential access to 1.5 billion consumers across 16 free trade agreements, 51 countries, and two thirds of global GDP.

• Canada is AAA-rated, has the lowest net debt-to-GDP ratio in the G7, and ranks number one in the G7 for banking stability and number two globally for foreign direct investment confidence.

• Canada has the lowest marginal effective tax rate on new business investments in the G7.

oint statement by Prime Minister Carney and Prime Minister Modi

March 2, 2026
New Delhi, India

1. At the invitation of His Excellency Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, the Right Honourable Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada, paid an official visit to India from February 27 – March 2, 2026. This was Prime Minister Carney’s first visit to India after taking over as the Prime Minister of Canada and is the first bilateral visit to India by a Canadian Prime Minister since 2018. Prime Minister Carney was accompanied by a Canadian high-level delegation that included senior ministers, provincial leaders and leading CEOs.

2. Commemorating 79 years of establishment of diplomatic relations, the Leaders reaffirmed the importance of the Canada–India relationship, grounded in shared democratic values, deep people-to-people ties, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and a joint commitment to the rule of law.

3. The Leaders acknowledged that, in an increasingly complex and uncertain global context, a strong, resilient, and forward-looking partnership between two vibrant democracies contributes meaningfully to mutual prosperity and to advancing shared global priorities. They underscored that closer cooperation between India and Canada will help reinforce international rules and norms that are applied fairly, strengthen economic resilience, promote sustainable development, and address global challenges including climate change, rapid technological transformation, and public health. The Leaders affirmed their shared resolve to work together bilaterally and in multilateral fora to uphold democratic values, support inclusive growth, and contribute to peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.

4. Building on this shared vision, the Leaders agreed to adopt the principle of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” or “One Earth, One Family, One Future” as the overarching guiding framework for the renewed India–Canada Strategic Partnership, reflecting their commitment to sustainability, inclusivity, and collective global responsibility. They underscored the alignment between India’s vision of Viksit Bharat and Canada’s Build Canada Strong agenda, and affirmed that enhanced bilateral cooperation across growth, innovation, energy transition, food and nutrition security, trusted digital ecosystems, resilient supply chains, skills and talent mobility, and people-centric development will serve as a catalyst for resilient societies, shared prosperity, and a more sustainable future for both countries and the wider world.

Progress and Implementation of the New Roadmap

5. Both Leaders welcomed the significant progress achieved since their meetings on the margins of the G7 Summit in Kananaskis and the G20 Summit in Johannesburg in the implementation of New Roadmap for Canada–India Relations, thereby providing a clear direction for strengthening the Canada–India partnership. They noted with satisfaction the increased frequency of two-way Ministerial-level engagements, which have injected renewed momentum into bilateral cooperation across priority sectors; welcomed the activation of various institutional dialogue mechanisms and enhanced sub-national engagement, underscoring their importance in deepening mutual understanding and policy coordination; acknowledged the return of diplomatic representatives to their respective missions; and appreciated the constructive steps taken toward the gradual normalization of bilateral ties, reflecting a shared commitment to strengthening bilateral relations in a spirit of mutual respect, accommodation, and cooperation.

6. The Leaders highlighted the strong commercial foundation underpinning bilateral ties, reflected in the launch of negotiations of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and in significant business announcements and investment commitments in recent months. These developments demonstrate the expanding scale, diversification, and sophistication of the bilateral economic relationship and signal growing confidence among businesses and investors in both markets. The Leaders noted that sustained engagement between industry and government, supported by an enabling policy environment, will be essential to unlock new opportunities in priority sectors and to translate commercial momentum into long-term, mutually beneficial economic growth.

7. Building on this momentum, the Leaders agreed to deepen collaboration across the following priority sectors:

ONE EARTH

Strategic Energy Partnership

8. Recognizing their complementary strengths as energy powers, the Leaders agreed to advance the India-Canada Strategic Energy Partnership aimed at deepening long-term cooperation across the energy value chain. They reaffirmed the immense importance of energy security and diversification of supply for the safety, wellbeing, and economic vitality of both countries, and underscored their shared commitment to enhancing collaboration across clean energy, conventional energy, civil nuclear energy, and critical minerals to promote affordability, sustainability, and economic growth.

9. The Leaders welcomed the re-launch of the Canada–India Ministerial Energy Dialogue at India Energy Week 2026 as a key institutional platform to sustain high-level policy dialogue and strengthen strategic cooperation on energy security, diversification of supply, and long-term market integration. They also welcomed the finalization of a Joint Action plan under the Dialogue.

10. The Leaders also highlighted the potential to broaden cooperation across clean energy and climate-related value chains, including renewable energy, hydrogen and its derivatives, biofuels, sustainable aviation fuel, battery storage, and electricity systems modernization, recognizing the central role of these sectors in advancing shared climate objectives and energy transition goals.

11. The Leaders underscored solutions for carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) as a key area of cooperation offering a significant opportunity for the sustainable production of energy and critical minerals.

12. The Leaders reaffirmed their intention to promote sustained government-to-government and business-to-business engagement, including continued expert collaboration and cooperation through bilateral and multilateral mechanisms, to ensure that the Strategic Energy Partnership delivers tangible, long-term benefits for both countries.

Energy Trade

13. The leaders noted that strengthened institutional engagement would support expanded bilateral energy trade, including in liquefied natural gas (LNG), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), crude oil, refined petroleum products, potash, and uranium supply offtakes. In this regard, they welcomed the conclusion of a CAD $2.6 billion commercial agreement between Cameco and the Department of Atomic Energy for the long-term supply of uranium, contributing to India’s civil nuclear energy generation, clean energy transition objectives, and long-term energy security.

14. The Leaders noted that Canada is poised to become a major global supplier of LNG and welcomed India’s intention to source LNG from Canada. They further welcomed the emergence, over the past five years, of Canada as an important supplier of heavy oil. With India, positioned to be the largest contributor to incremental global energy demand growth over the next two decades, beyond its current position as the world’s third-largest oil consumer and fourth-largest LNG importer, both sides acknowledged the significant potential to further expand bilateral energy trade. This includes increased oil and LNG imports by India from Canada, as well as the supply of refined petroleum products from India to Canada. In this context, Canada reaffirmed its plans to expand heavy oil export infrastructure and supplies of LNG to the Indo-Pacific market through Canada’s stated goal of producing 50 million tonnes of LNG per year by 2030 and up to 100 million tonnes by 2040.

15. The Leaders welcomed discussions between Indian public sector oil and gas companies and Canadian energy firms to expand bilateral cooperation in liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). They noted ongoing engagement aimed at concluding India’s first long-term LPG supply arrangement with Canada and expressed confidence that such partnerships will further diversify energy trade, strengthen supply security, and create new opportunities for collaboration across the hydrocarbon value chain.

16. Both sides also reaffirmed support for greater private investment flows and long-term offtake arrangements including through tools, such as loans, financing, and equity investments to support commercially viable energy partnerships. Through the India-Canada Energy Dialogue, both sides will set out a joint work plan to explore long-term contracts and address the challenges to growing this trade including shipping costs and increasing availability of Canadian heavy oil supply.

Critical Minerals Cooperation

17. The Leaders underscored their commitment to deepening long-term, reciprocal investment partnerships across the energy and natural resource sectors, recognizing the scale of ongoing projects and emerging opportunities in both markets. They further welcomed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Critical Minerals Cooperation, reflecting their shared commitment to building resilient, secure, and diversified critical minerals supply chains. In this context, they welcomed India’s endorsement of the G7 Critical Minerals Action Plan, which supports diversified and responsible production and supply of critical minerals and encourages investment and innovation in value chains essential for clean energy, advanced manufacturing, and technology. The Leaders also discussed Indian presence at the Prospectors and Developer’s Association of Canada (PDAC) meeting in March 2026, and commitment for a Ministerial-led Indian energy and industry delegation to Canada in summer 2026 to support robust commercial outcomes for Canadian and Indian companies.

18. Leaders agreed to strengthen collaboration in investment to support clean energy technologies and future-oriented industries. They agreed to deepen cooperation on critical minerals and energy transition pathways, including exploring collaboration on helping to secure India’s mineral stockpiling initiative, and supporting robust commercial outcomes for Canadian and Indian companies, while also sharing expertise on emissions reductions, and transition technologies.

Clean Energy Cooperation

19. The Leaders also welcomed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Clean Energy Cooperation, establishing a comprehensive institutional framework to advance bilateral collaboration across solar, wind, bioenergy, small hydro, energy storage, and capacity-building. They agreed to build a mutually beneficial clean energy partnership that strengthens energy security, accelerates the energy transition through information exchange and joint investment opportunities, and promotes two-way public–private engagement across the renewable energy value chain, including through a dedicated Joint Working Group. This cooperation will support sustainable economic growth, regional resilience in the Indo-Pacific, and the shared objective of building an inclusive clean energy future.

20. Canada expects to double electricity supply by 2050 and significantly expand deployment of renewable energy and energy storage. Concurrently, India has demonstrated leadership and capacity in large-scale solar and grid-level energy storage technologies along with scalable models in rooftop solar and other forms of distributed renewable energy solutions. In this regard, Leaders committed to convening a India-Canada Renewable Energy and Storage Summit in 2026 to bring together industry, investors, and government decision-makers to expand and diversify trade of these technologies into Canada, including through future procurements and supply chain partnerships.

Climate and Environment

21. They welcomed the deepening of cooperation under the existing Memorandum of Understanding on Climate Change and Environment, underscoring the strength of the partnership. The Leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment to science-based, inclusive, and equitable climate action. They highlighted ongoing bilateral efforts to advance sustainable development by addressing climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and ecosystem degradation, and agreed to strengthen collaboration on climate mitigation and adaptation, biodiversity conservation, and reducing plastic pollution, with particular attention to building resilience and supporting vulnerable communities.

Global Clean Energy Platforms

22. India welcomed Canada’s decision that it intends to pursue membership in the International Solar Alliance, underscoring Canada’s strong commitment to advancing clean energy and climate action. The leaders noted that Canada’s participation will strengthen international cooperation on solar deployment, innovation, and capacity-building, particularly in developing and climate-vulnerable regions. They agreed that enhanced collaboration through the International Solar Alliance will complement bilateral clean energy initiatives and contribute meaningfully to accelerating the global energy transition and achieving shared sustainability goals.

23. India welcomed Canada’s signing of the foundational documents to upgrade its participation in the Global Biofuels Alliance as a Full Member. This step will further advance the adoption of sustainable biofuels globally and strengthen cooperation across the biofuels supply chains, standards, and deployment, including collaboration on sustainability standards and lifecycle emissions.

Sustainable Agriculture and Nutritional Security

24. Recognizing the growing complementarity between India and Canada in agriculture and agri-food systems, the Leaders underscored the importance of strengthening cooperation to enhance food security, farm productivity, and resilient supply chains. The Leaders highlighted expanding opportunities for collaboration in agri-technology, research, and value-added food production, and agreed that deeper agricultural partnership will advance sustainable farming practices, nutrition security, and mutually beneficial trade and investment.

25. The Leaders welcomed the proposal to collaborate on establishing a Canada–India Pulse Protein Centre of Excellence at NIFTEM Kundli. They noted the complementary strengths of the Province of Saskatchewan as a global leader in pulse production and innovation, and India as the world’s largest producer and consumer of pulses. The Leaders agreed that this initiative would strengthen agri-food research collaboration, advance pulse protein processing and fortified food development, and contribute to improving access to affordable, high-quality nutrition, while reinforcing sub-national partnerships and industry–academia linkages between the two countries.

ONE FAMILY

Investing in Talent

26. The leaders underscored the central role of education and talent mobility in advancing people-to-people ties between India and Canada. They noted that the movement of students, researchers, and professionals has been mutually beneficial, strengthening innovation ecosystems and economic growth in both countries.

27. Recognizing the importance of international academic collaboration in fostering innovation; improving learning outcomes; and building a future-ready workforce, the Leaders agreed to deepen cooperation between higher education institutions by enhancing industry aligned skills training; expanding joint; dual-degree and twinning programs; facilitating the establishment of offshore campuses of leading Canadian institutions in India; strengthening research partnerships in emerging technologies; and revitalizing the Joint Working Group on Higher Education to further support cooperation in this area.

28. The Leaders welcomed the Memorandum of Understanding between India’s All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and Canada’s MITACS to expand the Globalink Research Internship program, enabling approximately 300 Indian undergraduate students annually to undertake research placements at Canadian universities. They noted that this flagship initiative will strengthen institutional linkages, deepen academic collaboration across disciplines, and build future-ready skills through hands-on research and professional training.

29. Leaders welcomed a new Joint Talent and Innovation Strategy, a developing initiative aimed at embedding Canadian research and innovation capacity in shared priority sectors and strengthening two-way talent flows through structured mobility, joint training pathways, and research collaboration.

30. The Leaders underscored the importance of fostering deeper institutional partnerships, researcher mobility, and knowledge exchange to advance innovation, build capacity, and support shared Indo-Pacific priorities. In this context, they welcomed Canada’s Indo-Pacific Scholarships and Fellowships for Canadians (IPSFC) program as a meaningful step toward strengthening academic and research linkages between Canadian and Indian institutions. They noted that over 85 Canadian graduate students and researchers from 11 Canadian post-secondary institutions will travel to India under the program to collaborate with leading Indian academics across priority areas including clean hydrogen, climate resilience, artificial intelligence, trade and supply chain resilience, and sustainable development. The Leaders also welcomed the conclusion of twenty-four education-related MOUs.

People-to-People and Cultural Cooperation

31. Recognizing the deep historical connections and vibrant people-to-people links between India and Canada, the Leaders underscored that cultural cooperation is a vital pillar of the bilateral relationship. They noted that sustained cultural exchange strengthens mutual understanding, celebrates diversity, and builds lasting connections between societies, while also supporting creative economies and innovation. The Leaders agreed that closer collaboration in culture, heritage, and creative industries will further enrich bilateral ties and contribute meaningfully to inclusive growth and shared prosperity.

32. The Leaders welcomed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Cultural Cooperation, reaffirming their commitment to deepen people-to-people ties between the two countries through expanded collaboration in the arts, heritage, audiovisual media, music, and creative industries. They agreed to strengthen cooperation between cultural institutions and creators in both countries through targeted initiatives.

33. The Leaders also underscored the potential of emerging technologies, including virtual and augmented reality and artificial intelligence, for the cultural sector and supporting sustained cultural dialogue, creative partnerships, and mutual understanding in this area.

34. The Leaders reaffirmed the importance of empowering Indigenous and Tribal communities in both countries and recognized their rich cultural heritage, traditional knowledge systems, and enduring contributions to national development. They welcomed Bharat Tribal Festival (BTF) 2026 as an example of an important platform to promote global exchanges in entrepreneurship, cultural preservation, and sustainable livelihoods. The Leaders agreed to encourage dialogue and collaboration in areas such as cultural exchange, skills development, traditional knowledge, and market access for community-based products, with a view to strengthening inclusive growth and reinforcing people-to-people ties grounded in mutual respect for diverse cultures and traditions.

35. The Leaders welcomed the recent Canada–India Track II Strategic Dialogue, which brought together policymakers, experts, business leaders, and civil society to explore pathways for translating the diplomatic reset into concrete cooperation across issues such as economic resilience, emerging technologies, energy security, and people-to-people exchanges. They noted that this high-level exchange underscored the importance of institutionalized engagement, expanded sectoral collaboration, and shared policy dialogue as enduring complements to official government-to-government mechanisms. The Leaders agreed that sustained dialogue across formal and Track II platforms will help deepen mutual understanding, strengthen bilateral cooperation, and inform practical, forward-looking initiatives that deliver tangible benefits for both societies.

36. The Leaders recognized the strong history of collaboration in the field of civil aviation between the two countries and its significant contribution to economic growth, connectivity and people-to-people exchanges. They expressed their desire to deepen this collaboration through continued work to renew their joint Memorandum of Understanding on Civil Aviation Cooperation to help promote safe, secure, sustainable and resilient aviation ecosystems in both countries.

ONE FUTURE

Science and Technology Architecture

37. Recognizing that technology and innovation are central drivers of economic growth, competitiveness, and societal resilience, the Leaders underscored the importance of deepening India–Canada cooperation in science, technology and innovation. This convergence highlights the need to revitalize institutional mechanisms that can translate ambition into coordinated, results oriented collaboration. The relaunch of the Joint Science and Technology Cooperation Committee (JSTCC) is a pivotal step providing a renewed platform to enhance cooperation in critical and emerging technologies, strengthening secure and trusted digital ecosystems, accelerating clean tech and energy innovation, and expanding research partnerships.

Space Cooperation

38. The Leader’s discussed the urgency and mutual benefit of strategic partnership on space cooperation by respective agencies and private sectors. On the basis of trust built between the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) over the 30 years since a Memorandum of Understanding on space cooperation was first signed in 1996, space agencies and their national business and research eco-systems are positioned to rapidly and jointly pursue emerging opportunities.

39. This partnership will be guided by an ambitious Implementation Arrangement under the MOU to operationalize joint projects and facilitate technical collaboration in new and emerging domains, including atmospheric sciences, space exploration involving space robotics and human spaceflight, and quantum communication technologies, supported by enhanced capacity‑building and knowledge exchange between their agencies. More broadly, they affirmed the importance of strengthening connections across their national space ecosystems, encouraging partnerships among government organizations, industry, startups, academia and research institutions to leverage complementary strengths, drive innovation, and contribute to shared development objectives.

Digital and AI Cooperation

40. Building upon space cooperation, India and Canada intend to explore joint initiatives to integrate AI into space and aerospace technologies. By co-developing these AI tools for space applications and earth observation, both countries will advance innovation and reinforce their technological sovereignty.

41. The Leaders agreed to explore collaboration on AI assisted tools to strengthen the diagnostic capabilities of distance medicine to deliver modern, reliable health care to the remote regions of both countries.

42. Recognising the value of industry and academia partnerships, both sides intend to establish a program of cross-border work-integrated learning opportunities that will enable Indian engineers and researchers to gain hands-on experience at Canada’s world class AI research institutes and Canadian engineers gaining exposure to India’s expertise in the large-scale deployment of digital public infrastructure ecosystem.

43. Recognising the growing importance of resilient electric grid systems in the context of rising energy demand and the expanding role of renewable energy, both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation through knowledge-sharing on the development of AI algorithms to predict energy surges and to better manage battery storage across different climatic conditions to support reliable, efficient and climate-resilient power systems in both countries.

44. The Leaders welcomed progress under the Australia–Canada–India Technology and Innovation (ACITI) Partnership and noted the recent meeting of the AI Ministers of the three countries on the margins of the AI Summit in New Delhi. They agreed to develop a joint workplan to advance practical trilateral cooperation in artificial intelligence and digital technologies and underscored the potential for deeper collaboration across digital infrastructure, semiconductor and electronics manufacturing, high-performance computing, Internet-of-Things (IoT), cybersecurity, and startup ecosystems. The Leaders further agreed to strengthen policy and regulatory exchanges to advance AI sovereignty, inclusivity, access and trustworthiness; promote AI adoption and related business-to-business partnerships; and advance joint capacity-building through skills development, training, and knowledge-sharing, with a view to fostering trusted innovation ecosystems and delivering tangible outcomes. The Leaders welcomed the codification of this work through the signing of a trilateral Australia-Canada-India MOU on Cooperation in Technology and Innovation.

45. To translate this shared vision into concrete outcomes, the Leaders agreed to structure the renewed India–Canada Strategic Partnership around two foundational layers.

Foundational Layer – 1: Security and Defence Cooperation

Security Cooperation

46. The Leaders welcomed the progress made under the regular bilateral security dialogue convened at the level of the National Security Advisors and the agreement to a shared workplan to guide enhanced cooperation on national security and law enforcement priorities. As pluralistic democracies, they agreed to deepen collaboration to address issues relating to violent extremism, terrorism, organized crime, including the illegal flow of narcotics and fentanyl precursors, cybercrime, extortion, financial fraud, trafficking and related criminal networks. The Leaders supported the establishment of security and law-enforcement liaison mechanisms to streamline bilateral communication and enable timely information-sharing and committed to strengthening cooperation on cybersecurity and immigration enforcement, consistent with domestic laws and international obligations. They also called for the early convening of the next meeting of the Joint Working Group on Counterterrorism.

Defence Cooperation

47. The Leaders recognize the value of expanding practical military cooperation and welcome opportunities to deepen defence relations through cooperative activities, joint training opportunities, and professional military exchanges. Leaders welcomed a new Maritime Security Partnership in areas such as Defence Material Cooperation, Supply Chain Resilience, and Training and Exercises.

48. Both countries agree to institutionalizing an India–Canada Defence Dialogue which will exchange views on respective defence policies, regional and global security developments, and strategic outlooks in order to identify opportunities for greater defence collaboration.

49. In this context, they welcomed Canada’s appointment of a Defence Attaché to India and India’s concurrent accreditation of its Defence Attaché in Washington D.C. to Canada as important steps toward strengthening institutional linkages.

Multilateral and Indo-Pacific Engagement

50. Both countries agreed to deepen cooperation in a range of regional and global fora. These engagements will strengthen coordination and promote a shared understanding of priorities in an increasingly complex strategic environment.

51. The Leaders agreed that the Indo-Pacific represents a region of growing strategic and economic importance and reaffirmed their shared commitment to a free, open, inclusive, and resilient Indo-Pacific. They underscored the value of practical cooperation in promoting sustainable development, maritime safety and security, climate resilience, connectivity, and capacity-building across the region. The Leaders committed to strengthening coordination through regional and global institutions and partnerships, leveraging complementary strengths to support infrastructure development, digital inclusion, disaster preparedness, and people-centric growth, while advancing a rules-based international order that respects sovereignty and territorial integrity.

52. The Leaders noted the growing convergence between India’s vision for the Indian Ocean Region and Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, grounded in shared interests in stability, sustainable development, connectivity, and inclusive growth. India welcomed Canada’s interest in joining the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) as a Dialogue Partner, recognizing the value Canada can bring through its expertise in maritime governance, climate resilience, blue economy, and capacity-building. The Leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation in the Indian Ocean through practical initiatives supporting disaster preparedness, infrastructure development, digital inclusion, and people-centric growth, and affirmed their commitment to working together with regional partners to advance a free, open, inclusive, and resilient Indo-Pacific.

Foundational Layer – 2: Advancing Trade Partnership

Ministerial Dialogue on Trade and Investment

53. The Leaders noted that the renewed Ministerial Dialogue on Trade and Investment marked a renewed phase of engagement aimed at reinvigorating bilateral trade and investment ties and setting a forward-looking agenda for cooperation, anchored in shared democratic values and growing economic complementarities.

CEPA and Trade Architecture

54. The Leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening bilateral economic engagement through the resumption of discussions toward an ambitious and mutually beneficial Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The Leaders expressed confidence that a comprehensive trade framework would serve as a durable economic anchor for the partnership and support the shared aspiration of expanding bilateral trade to CAD 70 billion / INR 4.65 lakh crore by 2030. They welcomed the finalization and signing of the Terms of Reference for CEPA negotiations and the launch of formal negotiations and expressed their shared commitment to conclude the talks by end-2026.

Commercial Momentum

55. Acknowledging the evolving global economic landscape, both sides underscored the importance of a resilient, reliable, and predictable trading relationship that enhances supply chain stability, mitigates external vulnerabilities, accommodates each other’s sensitivities, and promotes mutually beneficial cooperation across priority sectors. They further recognized the deepening integration of their economies, reflected in the substantial workforce employed by Canadian companies operating in India and by Indian companies operating in Canada, demonstrating a significant two-way commercial presence that already anchors the partnership.

56. To impart greater commercial momentum to bilateral trade and investment ties, the Leaders welcomed a program of four reciprocal Ministerial-led trade and investment engagements, including two visits to Canada and two visits to India, accompanied by business delegations. They noted that these exchanges will help unlock new commercial opportunities, deepen private-sector partnerships, and further integrate the economies of both countries.

India-Canada CEO Forum

57. The Leaders welcomed the reconstitution of the India–Canada CEO Forum as a key platform to deepen private-sector engagement and advance practical cooperation across priority sectors. They encouraged business leaders from both countries to leverage the Forum to identify new opportunities in trade, investment, innovation, and supply chain resilience, and to provide actionable recommendations to support CEPA negotiations and broader economic objectives. The Leaders agreed that stronger collaboration between industry, government, and financial institutions will be essential to taking bilateral economic cooperation to the next level and delivering tangible benefits for businesses and citizens in both countries.

Finance Ministers’ Economic Dialogue

58. The Leaders welcomed the launch of the Finance Ministers’ Economic and Financial Dialogue that will bring together finance officials on issues such as payments modernization, financial stability, fintech innovation and capital markets development. As an early priority, this will include collaboration on the future of instant payments and explore opportunities on cross-border remittances and merchant payments. The National Payments Corporation of India and Payments Canada would be invited to participate, with the aim of boosting bilateral trade, while supporting tourism, education, remittances, and growth for SMEs in both countries. They noted that the inaugural Finance Ministers Economic Dialogue will be hosted at a mutually agreed time in 2026.

Conclusion

59. Prime Minister Carney expressed his sincere appreciation to the Government and people of India for their warm hospitality and reaffirmed Canada’s strong commitment to advancing this comprehensive partnership.

60. Both Leaders welcomed continued high-level engagement and expressed confidence that the initiatives outlined in this Joint Statement will further deepen the India–Canada partnership, strengthen mutual trust, and deliver tangible, long-term benefits for both countries and their peoples.

61. They affirmed that a stronger India–Canada partnership will also contribute positively to regional stability, global resilience, and shared prosperity, reflecting their common commitment to building a more inclusive, sustainable, and secure future.

Related product

• Factsheet on deliverables announced during the visit of Prime Minister Mark Carney to India

• https://www.international.gc.ca/country-pays/india-inde/relations.aspx?lang=eng

From: Global Affairs Canada

News release

The Honourable Randeep Sarai, Secretary of State (International Development), announced that Canada will provide more than $123 million in funding to support projects in Vietnam, Indonesia and Fiji. He also announced the allocation of funding for four new initiatives valued at a total of more than $4.2 million, under the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-Canada Plan of Action Trust Fund (2023 to 2029).

Projects in Vietnam

Project: Vietnam Climate-Smart Coastal Communities
Partner: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Funding: $20 million over 6 years

The project aims to build the resilience of vulnerable coastal communities by improving the capacity of local governments, communities and women-led organizations to plan for and adapt to climate change. The project will also restore marine and coastal biodiversity to improve livelihoods and reduce poverty through ecosystem recovery.

Project: Vietnam Climate Resilient Municipalities
Partner: Federation of Canadian Municipalities
Funding: $10 million over 6 years

This project will enhance climate resilience in several Vietnamese municipalities by improving infrastructure and waste management through training and technical advice and by promoting the involvement of women-led organizations in decision making while strengthening policy coordination between local and national governments.

Project: Advancing Growth Innovation and Leadership for Enterprises
Partner: World University Service of Canada
Funding: $10 million over 5 years

This project will expand on Canada’s engagement in impact investment by supporting the local ecosystem for social businesses. It will also provide opportunities for engagement with Canadian institutions and experts on climate adaptation solutions.

Project: Biodiversity and Livelihood Opportunities for Ethnic Minority Women
Partner: SOCODEVI and Desjardins International Development
Funding: $10 million over 6 years

The project will help strengthen the conservation of high-value forests, promote climate-smart and biodiversity-friendly agroforestry production in forest buffer zones and improve the participation of ethnic minority women in developing and implementing biodiversity and climate change adaptation policies at the central and local levels of government.

Project: Inclusive Local Governance in Vietnam
Partner: Canadian Bureau for International Education
Funding: $9.7 million over 6 years

This project will strengthen inclusive governance in Vietnam by enhancing the skills of civil servants to deliver services that meet the needs of all citizens, including marginalized groups. It focuses on building the capacity of the Academy of Public Administration and Governance, modernizing its curriculum and fostering leadership development for women in the civil service to improve their career prospects.

Project: Vietnam-Canada Judicial Capacity Development
Partner: National Judicial Institute
Funding: $8.15 million over 6 years

This project will improve practices among judges and court officials to help increase access to justice for the most vulnerable groups of people. Working closely with the Supreme People’s Court of Vietnam, the project will train judges based on Canadian and international best practices and provide them with opportunities to apply their learnings through pilot demonstration courts.

Project: Impact Investment Readiness Vietnam
Partner: Impact Investment Exchange Global Charitable Limited
Funding: $5 million over 5 years

The project aims to improve the economic well-being of vulnerable groups in Vietnam by increasing the impact investment readiness of targeted social-impact businesses (SIBs), particularly women-focused SIBs. SIBs are enterprises that create financial returns while securing social impacts or environmental impacts or both for communities. The project is expected to unlock private investment in SIBs in Vietnam.

Project: Women’s Political Participation
Partner: UNDP
Funding: $4.58 million over 5 years

This project will provide support to advance the meaningful participation of women in Vietnam’s National Assembly and People’s Councils in the next national elections, slated for May 2026, and will directly contribute to advancing Vietnam’s National Gender Equality Strategy’s political participation targets. These include training, mentoring and networking for women candidates and parliamentarians.

Project: Gender-Responsive Resilient Recovery of Typhoon-Affected Livelihoods in Northern Mountainous Provinces of Vietnam
Partner: Food and Agriculture Organization
Funding: $2 million over 2 years

This project aims to restore resilient, inclusive and sustainable agricultural livelihoods in northern Vietnam, especially for ethnic minority women affected by Typhoon Yagi in 2024. It will focus on enhancing climate-smart agriculture practices and disaster risk reduction, particularly among women and ethnic minority groups most affected by the natural disaster.

Project: Women Entrepreneur Facility
Partner: Asian Development Bank
Funding: $2 million over 6 years

This project aims to increase access to finance for women-owned and -led small and medium-sized enterprises (WSMEs) in Vietnam. It will create a financing facility that provides grants and technical assistance to support financial institutions’ outreach and WSME loan portfolios (including for green loans), building enhanced banking practices and knowledge on tapping into this underserved market segment.

Projects in Indonesia

Project: Climate Resilient Agri-Food Trade Promotion Support
Partner: Trade Facilitation Office Canada
Funding: $5 million over 6 years

This project supports the growth of Indonesian small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) in the processed food sector, with a focus on women-led and under-represented enterprises. It strengthens trade support services and access to climate-resilient agricultural technology, helping SMEs increase productivity and international market access. The project advances Indonesia’s economic development and SME competitiveness priorities while fostering Canada–Indonesia SME linkages and supporting the eventual implementation of the Canada-Indonesia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).

Project: Economic Linkages for Enhanced Value, Trade and Exports
Partner: Catalyste+
Funding: $5 million over 6 years

This project supports 200 Indonesian SMEs, particularly women-led firms, in improving export readiness and competitiveness through targeted capacity building with national trade ministries. The initiative contributes to Indonesia’s SME development and trade diversification priorities, strengthens business linkages with Canada and Southeast Asia and supports the eventual implementation of the CEPA while helping diversify supply chains.

Project: Youth Networks for a Sustainable Gender Movement and Climate Action
Partner: Plan International
Funding: $4.1 million over 4 years

This project supports youth in advancing gender equality and strengthening climate and economic resilience in vulnerable communities. It will enhance the resilience of marginalized rural youth in climate-vulnerable provinces by building skills in climate-smart agriculture, inclusive climate adaptation and land management and climate-resilient technologies.

Project: Women Lead in Climate Action
Partner: Humanis dan Inovasi Sosial Foundation
Funding: $3.9 million over 4 years

This project strengthens women’s leadership in climate mitigation and adaptation and advances gender-responsive climate governance. It supports women’s rights organizations and grassroots groups, promotes safeguards for human rights of women and for environmental defenders and expands women-led green enterprises and local value chains to strengthen sustainable livelihoods and market resilience.

Project: Canada-Indonesia Partnership for Midwifery Strengthening
Partner: United Nations Population Fund in collaboration with McMaster University
Funding: $4.6 million over 3 years

This project will strengthen midwifery education to improve the quality and professionalism of midwifery services. It aims to reduce maternal mortality and support universal and equitable access to reproductive health services in Indonesia.

Projects in Fiji

Project: Pacific Women Entrepreneurs as Island Guardians
Partner: Alinea International
Funding: $7.85 million over 5 years

The project aims to strengthen the climate resilience of nature-based businesses led or owned by women, especially women of Indigenous heritage, in rural communities of Fiji, Samoa and Tuvalu. Its objective is to improve sustainable use practices in approximately 500,000 hectares of tropical forests, coral reefs and coastal mangrove ecosystems.

Project: Support to the Pacific Resilience Facility
Partner: Pacific Islands Forum
Funding: $7.5 million over 5 years

The Pacific Resilience Facility is the first Pacific-led and -owned financing facility dedicated to Pacific communities on the frontlines of climate change. Canada’s contribution to the facility will scale up Pacific Islands countries’ access to climate finance and will help support at-risk communities in adapting to climate change and in disaster preparedness and response, as well as provide funding for loss and damage.

Project: Pacific Oceanic Women Enhancing Resilience
Partner: Oxfam Canada
Funding: $5 million over 5 years

The project focuses on improving community resilience and strengthening women and girls’ leadership in Fiji, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Tuvalu and Vanuatu. Training is provided in sustainable agriculture and fisheries, financial literacy and business development. Resources, such as climate-smart technologies and seeds and support to gain market access, are provided.

Projects under the ASEAN-Canada Plan of Action Trust Fund (2023 to 2029)

Project: Development of the ASEAN Socio-cultural Development Outlook Volume 2
Partner: ASEAN Secretariat and The Asia Foundation
Funding: $385,000 over 1 year

This initiative will support research to assess progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals in ASEAN member states. The research will focus on digitalization megatrends, including cybercrime, online scams, misinformation and the digital divide.

Project: Canada and ASEAN Artificial Intelligence (AI) Connect: Partnership with Canada on Responsible AI Governance
Partner: Atlantic Council
Funding: $1.8 million over 2 years

This initiative aims to enhance regional and ASEAN-Canada collaboration on issues of responsible AI governance, aligned with international frameworks and supported by technical assistance.

Project: CANSAFE: Canada-ASEAN Exchange for Safer Food Systems and Agricultural Trade Opportunities
Partner: Indo-Pacific Agriculture and Agri-Food Office and Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International
Funding: $659,000 over 1 year

This initiative aims to strengthen ASEAN’s regional capacity to implement harmonized, science-based agricultural and food safety standards through Canada-ASEAN technical exchange.

Project: Study on Driving Decarbonization for ASEAN Competitiveness: Deploying Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS) for Industrial Hubs in ASEAN
Partner: ASEAN Centre for Energy
Funding: $1.4 million over 1 year

This initiative aims to support research to accelerate the deployment of CCUS technologies across industrial hubs in ASEAN member states. It will leverage Canadian expertise in clean energy through a study; a visit to Canada for workshops; capacity building; site visits to CCUS projects; and a public-private round table to strengthen knowledge exchange and strategic partnerships.

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Davos, Switzerland

Thank you, Larry.

It’s a pleasure – and a duty – to be with you at this turning point for Canada and for the world.

Today, I’ll talk about the rupture in the world order, the end of a nice story, and the beginning of a brutal reality where geopolitics among the great powers is not subject to any constraints.

But I also submit to you that other countries, particularly middle powers like Canada, are not powerless. They have the capacity to build a new order that embodies our values, like respect for human rights, sustainable development, solidarity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of states.

The power of the less powerful begins with honesty.

Every day we are reminded that we live in an era of great power rivalry. That the rules-based order is fading. That the strong do what they can, and the weak suffer what they must.

This aphorism of Thucydides is presented as inevitable – the natural logic of international relations reasserting itself. And faced with this logic, there is a strong tendency for countries to go along to get along. To accommodate. To avoid trouble. To hope that compliance will buy safety.

It won’t.

So, what are our options?

In 1978, the Czech dissident Václav Havel wrote an essay called The Power of the Powerless. In it, he asked a simple question: how did the communist system sustain itself?

His answer began with a greengrocer. Every morning, this shopkeeper places a sign in his window: “Workers of the world, unite!” He does not believe it. No one believes it. But he places the sign anyway – to avoid trouble, to signal compliance, to get along. And because every shopkeeper on every street does the same, the system persists.

Not through violence alone, but through the participation of ordinary people in rituals they privately know to be false.

Havel called this “living within a lie.” The system’s power comes not from its truth but from everyone’s willingness to perform as if it were true. And its fragility comes from the same source: when even one person stops performing — when the greengrocer removes his sign — the illusion begins to crack.

It is time for companies and countries to take their signs down.

For decades, countries like Canada prospered under what we called the rules-based international order. We joined its institutions, praised its principles, and benefited from its predictability. We could pursue values-based foreign policies under its protection.

We knew the story of the international rules-based order was partially false. That the strongest would exempt themselves when convenient. That trade rules were enforced asymmetrically. And that international law applied with varying rigour depending on the identity of the accused or the victim.

This fiction was useful, and American hegemony, in particular, helped provide public goods: open sea lanes, a stable financial system, collective security, and support for frameworks for resolving disputes.

So, we placed the sign in the window. We participated in the rituals. And largely avoided calling out the gaps between rhetoric and reality.

This bargain no longer works.

Let me be direct: we are in the midst of a rupture, not a transition.

Over the past two decades, a series of crises in finance, health, energy, and geopolitics laid bare the risks of extreme global integration.

More recently, great powers began using economic integration as weapons. Tariffs as leverage. Financial infrastructure as coercion. Supply chains as vulnerabilities to be exploited.

You cannot “live within the lie” of mutual benefit through integration when integration becomes the source of your subordination.

The multilateral institutions on which middle powers relied— the WTO, the UN, the COP – the architecture of collective problem solving – are greatly diminished.

As a result, many countries are drawing the same conclusions. They must develop greater strategic autonomy: in energy, food, critical minerals, in finance, and supply chains.

This impulse is understandable. A country that cannot feed itself, fuel itself, or defend itself has few options. When the rules no longer protect you, you must protect yourself.

But let us be clear-eyed about where this leads. A world of fortresses will be poorer, more fragile, and less sustainable.

And there is another truth: if great powers abandon even the pretence of rules and values for the unhindered pursuit of their power and interests, the gains from “transactionalism” become harder to replicate. Hegemons cannot continually monetize their relationships.

Allies will diversify to hedge against uncertainty. Buy insurance. Increase options. This rebuilds sovereignty – sovereignty that was once grounded in rules, but will be increasingly anchored in the ability to withstand pressure.

As I said, such classic risk management comes at a price, but that cost of strategic autonomy, of sovereignty, can also be shared. Collective investments in resilience are cheaper than everyone building their own fortress. Shared standards reduce fragmentation. Complementarities are positive sum.

The question for middle powers, like Canada, is not whether to adapt to this new reality. We must. The question is whether we adapt by simply building higher walls – or whether we can do something more ambitious.

Canada was amongst the first to hear the wake-up call, leading us to fundamentally shift our strategic posture.

Canadians know that our old, comfortable assumption that our geography and alliance memberships automatically conferred prosperity and security is no longer valid.

Our new approach rests on what Alexander Stubb has termed “values-based realism” – or, to put it another way, we aim to be principled and pragmatic.

Principled in our commitment to fundamental values: sovereignty and territorial integrity, the prohibition of the use of force except when consistent with the UN Charter, respect for human rights.

Pragmatic in recognising that progress is often incremental, that interests diverge, that not every partner shares our values. We are engaging broadly, strategically, with open eyes. We actively take on the world as it is, not wait for a world we wish to be.

Canada is calibrating our relationships so their depth reflects our values. We are prioritising broad engagement to maximise our influence, given the fluidity of the world order, the risks that this poses, and the stakes for what comes next.

We are no longer relying on just the strength of our values, but also on the value of our strength.

We are building that strength at home.

Since my government took office, we have cut taxes on incomes, capital gains and business investment, we have removed all federal barriers to interprovincial trade, and we are fast-tracking a trillion dollars of investment in energy, AI, critical minerals, new trade corridors, and beyond.

We are doubling our defence spending by 2030 and are doing so in ways that builds our domestic industries.

We are rapidly diversifying abroad. We have agreed a comprehensive strategic partnership with the European Union, including joining SAFE, Europe’s defence procurement arrangements.

We have signed twelve other trade and security deals on four continents in the last six months.

In the past few days, we have concluded new strategic partnerships with China and Qatar.

We are negotiating free trade pacts with India, ASEAN, Thailand, Philippines, Mercosur.

To help solve global problems, we are pursuing variable geometry— different coalitions for different issues, based on values and interests.

On Ukraine, we are a core member of the Coalition of the Willing and one of the largest per-capita contributors to its defence and security.

On Arctic sovereignty, we stand firmly with Greenland and Denmark and fully support their unique right to determine Greenland’s future. Our commitment to Article 5 is unwavering.

We are working with our NATO allies (including the Nordic Baltic 8) to further secure the alliance’s northern and western flanks, including through Canada’s unprecedented investments in over-the-horizon radar, submarines, aircraft, and boots on the ground. Canada strongly opposes tariffs over Greenland and calls for focused talks to achieve shared objectives of security and prosperity for the Arctic.

On plurilateral trade, we are championing efforts to build a bridge between the Trans-Pacific Partnership and the European Union, creating a new trading block of 1.5 billion people.

On critical minerals, we are forming buyer’s clubs anchored in the G7 so that the world can diversify away from concentrated supply.

On AI, we are cooperating with like-minded democracies to ensure we will not ultimately be forced to choose between hegemons and hyperscalers.

This is not naive multilateralism. Nor is it relying on diminished institutions. It is building the coalitions that work, issue by issue, with partners who share enough common ground to act together. In some cases, this will be the vast majority of nations.

And it is creating a dense web of connections across trade, investment, culture on which we can draw for future challenges and opportunities.

Middle powers must act together because if you are not at the table, you are on the menu.

Great powers can afford to go it alone. They have the market size, the military capacity, the leverage to dictate terms. Middle powers do not. But when we only negotiate bilaterally with a hegemon, we negotiate from weakness. We accept what is offered. We compete with each other to be the most accommodating.

This is not sovereignty. It is the performance of sovereignty while accepting subordination.

In a world of great power rivalry, the countries in between have a choice: to compete with each other for favour or to combine to create a third path with impact.

We should not allow the rise of hard power to blind us to the fact that the power of legitimacy, integrity, and rules will remain strong — if we choose to wield it together.

Which brings me back to Havel.

What would it mean for middle powers to “live in truth”?

It means naming reality. Stop invoking the “rules-based international order” as though it still functions as advertised. Call the system what it is: a period of intensifying great power rivalry, where the most powerful pursue their interests using economic integration as a weapon of coercion.

It means acting consistently. Apply the same standards to allies and rivals. When middle powers criticise economic intimidation from one direction but stay silent when it comes from another, we are keeping the sign in the window.

It means building what we claim to believe in. Rather than waiting for the old order to be restored, create institutions and agreements that function as described.

And it means reducing the leverage that enables coercion. Building a strong domestic economy should always be every government’s priority. Diversification internationally is not just economic prudence; it is the material foundation for honest foreign policy. Countries earn the right to principled stands by reducing their vulnerability to retaliation.

Canada has what the world wants. We are an energy superpower. We hold vast reserves of critical minerals. We have the most educated population in the world. Our pension funds are amongst the world’s largest and most sophisticated investors. We have capital, talent, and a government with the immense fiscal capacity to act decisively.

And we have the values to which many others aspire.

Canada is a pluralistic society that works. Our public square is loud, diverse, and free. Canadians remain committed to sustainability.

We are a stable, reliable partner—in a world that is anything but—a partner that builds and values relationships for the long term.

Canada has something else: a recognition of what is happening and a determination to act accordingly.

We understand that this rupture calls for more than adaptation. It calls for honesty about the world as it is.

We are taking the sign out of the window.

The old order is not coming back. We should not mourn it. Nostalgia is not a strategy.

But from the fracture, we can build something better, stronger, and more just.

This is the task of the middle powers, who have the most to lose from a world of fortresses and the most to gain from a world of genuine cooperation.

The powerful have their power. But we have something too – the capacity to stop pretending, to name reality, to build our strength at home, and to act together.

That is Canada’s path. We choose it openly and confidently.

And it is a path wide open to any country willing to take it with us

.

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From: Natural Resources Canada

News release

December 15, 2025 Toronto, Ontario Natural Resources Canada

In the face of unjust tariffs, the Government of Canada is taking decisive action to support workers and spur industry transformation so we can adapt, compete and win in a new global environment. Canada’s forest sector supports thousands of jobs and communities nationwide and plays a key role in delivering affordable housing through innovative wood products and technologies — part of the government’s new strategy through the Buy Canadian Policy and Build Canada Homes.

Today, the Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, highlighted progress on federal support measures for Canada’s forest sector and announced the launch of a single-window pathfinding service, funding to promote the use of Canadian wood in construction, and the creation of the Canadian Forest Sector Transformation Task Force.

Natural Resources Canada’s new, single-window pathfinding service includes a new website with information on all programs available to forest sector businesses and direct access to Natural Resources Canada experts on eligibility and program applications. The single-window service will make it easier for forest sector businesses and employees to navigate and apply to federal programs.

Under Natural Resources Canada’s Green Construction through Wood (GCWood) program, Canada is investing over $9 million in projects that will help accelerate the adoption of innovative Canadian wood products, such as mass timber, in construction projects across the country. Initiatives include:

• Action to address insurance barriers

• Creating a Mass Timber Costing Guide

• Advancing code changes for low-carbon materials

• Expanding wood construction education

• Increasing the use of wood-based solutions through technical support and training

Together, these projects and initiatives aim will speed up innovation, boost market confidence and foster sustainable and affordable building practices across Canada.

The Minister also launched the Canadian Forest Sector Transformation Task Force. Starting in early 2026, the Task Force will seek input from industry, provinces and territories, Indigenous foresters, communities, and labour groups on how to restructure the forest sector to ensure it remains competitive over the long term. Led by Ken Kalesnikoff of Kalesnikoff Mass Timber and Frédéric Verreault of les Chantiers Chibougamau, the Task Force will have 90 days to seek recommendations on best practices to expand the use of modern construction methods (including mass timber and modular systems), diversify products, identify new markets, and enhance productivity. Additional members of the Task Force will be announced in the coming weeks.

Since August 2025, the government has introduced over $2.35 billion in measures designed to ensure Canada’s forest sector remains competitive, sustainable and resilient for generations to come. These measures include:

• An additional $500 million to the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) Softwood Lumber Guarantee Program. A total of $1.2 billion in loan guarantees will be available to help softwood lumber companies maintain and restructure operations during this period of transformation.

• $500 million earmarked under the Canada Enterprise Emergency Funding Corporation’s Large Enterprise Tariff Loan facility for softwood lumber firms facing liquidity pressures.

• $500 million to renew Natural Resources Canada’s suite of forest sector transformation programs to increase the value of domestic production, support Indigenous-led business development and help to open new international markets for sustainable, high-quality Canadian forest products while prioritizing Canadian wood and technologies at home.

• Over $100 million over two years (starting in 2025–2026) to support employers with active Work-Sharing agreements who provide training for employees on reduced hours, benefiting an estimated 26,000 Canadians.

• $50 million for upskilling, reskilling and income supports for more than 6,000 affected softwood lumber workers through Employment and Social Development Canada’s (ESDC) Labour Market Development Agreements program.

• Changes to federal procurement processes to prioritize Canadian lumber and materials in major infrastructure projects and housing construction. These include the upcoming Build Canada Homes initiative that will prioritize shovel-ready and large-scale multi-year projects that incorporate Canadian wood products and can begin within 12 months.

• Beginning in spring 2026, a 50 percent freight rate discount on interprovincial steel and lumber shipments within Canada

The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring Canada’s forest sector remains strong and that workers receive the support they need in the face of unjust tariffs. Ongoing support measures for workers and industry and efforts to transform the forest sector will help build a stronger and more resilient economy for all Canadians.

Quotes

“Canada’s forest sector is a cornerstone of our economy. The measures announced today do two things at once: they help companies manage immediate challenges, and they position the industry for long-term competitiveness. By supporting innovation, expanding markets and prioritizing Canadian materials, we are building Canada Strong.”

The Honourable Tim Hodgson
Minister of Energy and Natural Resources

“The Canadian Wood Council deeply values the Government of Canada’s continued leadership in advancing low-carbon construction through the GCWood program. GCWood support enables us to provide critical technical advisory services, deliver wood-focused education and training to existing and future practitioners, and contribute to code developments that reflect the evolving strengths of modern wood products and systems. GCWood investments are important, strategic inputs that strengthen Canada’s forestry, manufacturing and construction sectors. We look forward to building on our work to date as we engage with partners nationwide to accelerate the adoption of sustainable wood solutions and modern methods of construction.”

Rick Jeffery
CEO, Canadian Wood Council

“Mass timber offers a major opportunity to grow Canada’s economy by accelerating housing delivery, creating local jobs and driving value-added manufacturing with Canadian wood — all while significantly reducing the environmental footprint of new buildings. Historically, high insurance rates — stemming from limited claims data — have slowed the sector’s growth. The Mass Timber Insurance Action Plan, led by CSBA and the Canadian Wood Council with 40 insurance and building partners and support from NRCan, is tackling these challenges head-on. By addressing root causes, we’re making it easier and more affordable to build mass timber housing and other projects across Canada.”

David Messer
Executive Director, Climate Smart Buildings Alliance

“Mass timber is generating tremendous excitement as a climate-smart building solution that can help Canada build more housing, and with good reason. But with that excitement, there’s still real uncertainty about the true costs and practical implications of building with it. Our Costing Guide is designed to cut through that uncertainty and provide clear, evidence-based insight into the benefits, challenges and trade-offs of mass timber construction.”

Adam Jones
Director of Operations, Sustainable Buildings Canada

Quick facts

• Through Natural Resources Canada’s Green Construction through Wood (GCWood) program, the following initiatives are receiving funding:

  • The Canadian Wood Council is receiving $4,999,536 for a project that will increase the use of wood-based solutions, systems and products in Canada by building proficiency in the use of wood as a construction material through direct technical support, training, awareness and networking.

  • The Canadian Wood Council is receiving $2,942,610 for a second project that will increase the number of educational offerings and content related to wood construction education in order to increase the understanding and acceptance of wood as a building material by post-secondary students, trades and other construction industry professionals.

  • The Canadian Wood Council is receiving $594,000 for a third project to accelerate the adoption of performance-based building codes and to enable the forest industry’s participation in developing code change proposals allowing for the increased use of low-carbon building materials and mass timber in wood buildings for the 2025 and 2030 editions of the National Building Code.

  • The Climate Smart Buildings Alliance is receiving $272,000 for a project to conduct a feasibility and/or prototype-level assessment of potential solutions to address insurance challenges faced by the mass timber construction industry.

  • Sustainable Buildings Canada is receiving $261,900 for a project to develop a Mass Timber Costing Guide focused on increasing the understanding of cost issues associated with the design, engineering, code equivalency and construction of large mass timber buildings.

• Canada’s forest sector is a major economic driver, supporting nearly 200,000 workers, including over 11,000 Indigenous Peoples, and contributing more than $20 billion to our GDP.

• In 2024, 66 percent of Canada’s total softwood lumber production was exported, of which nearly 90 percent was exported to the U.S.

• New and innovative forest products, such as engineered timber, biofuels and forest product–based biodegradable packaging materials, are helping Canada reach net zero by 2050 and enabling more sustainable, efficient housing solutions.

Related products

• Prime Minister Carney announces new measures to transform Canada’s softwood lumber industry (August 5, 2025)

• Prime Minister Carney announces new measures to protect and transform Canada’s steel and lumber industries (November 26, 2025)

Associated links

• Canada’s softwood lumber industry

• Support for Canada’s Forest Sector Employers and Workers

• Softwood Lumber Guarantee Program

• Large Enterprise Tariff Loan facility

• Labour Market Development Agreements program

• Work-Sharing Program

• Buy Canadian

• Build Canada Homes initiative

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From: Canada Border Services Agency

News release

December 9, 2025
Ottawa, Ontario

Canada’s Border Plan and Budget 2025 emphasize the importance of investing in a strong border to safeguard Canadians and our economy. As 2025 draws to a close, the work of the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) across the country and around the world is demonstrating the results of this commitment.

Between January 1 and October 31, 2025, the CBSA has played a key role in combatting organized crime and making communities across Canada safer by intercepting:

• 30,791 kg of illegal drugs, more than the 25,600 kg seized last year

• more than 13,500 dangerous weapons including over 740 firearms, similar to 2024 when 15,600 weapons and 850 firearms were seized

• over 1,320 stolen vehicles, compared to approximately 2,270 in 2024, reflecting the overall decrease in vehicle theft recorded in Canada during 2025

During this same period, changing global travel and migration patterns saw CBSA process 12% fewer travellers at its ports of entry giving more time to focus on other priorities including the removal of 19,000 inadmissible people to their home countries.

The CBSA was also integral in supporting the continued flow of international trade. This included the collection of over $40 billion in duties and taxes and the examination of more than 4.3 million commercial trucks, in line with 2024 volumes.

Enforcing our laws to keep Canada safe

The CBSA acts as Canada’s first line of defence at 1,200 ports of entry across the country. Every day, 16,500 employees, including over 8,500 frontline officers, play a crucial role protecting our communities by preventing illegal goods and inadmissible people from entering Canada.

With the hiring of 1,000 new officers, the CBSA will have even more capacity to crack down on the movement of stolen goods, illegal guns, and drugs, enforce import measures, and investigate unfair trade practices.

These new CBSA officers will join the thousands of border services officers and hundreds of CBSA criminal investigators, inland enforcement officers, hearings officers, intelligence officers and international officers who already support and enforce compliance with Canada’s border laws and take action against those who try to break them.

Between January 1 and October 31, 2025:

• CBSA officers working at ports of entry and investigators located across the country seized more than 13,500 weapons (2,193 originating from the U.S.) including over 740 firearms (650 originating from the U.S.).

• 30,791 kg of illegal drugs were stopped from reaching communities in Canada and worldwide, which is more than the 25,600 kg seized last year, including:

  • 2.6 kg of fentanyl, a decrease of 47% from the same period in 2024 – Canada is committed to working with international partners to address the global fentanyl crisis

  • 3,243 kg of cocaine, a decrease of 18% from the same period in 2024

  • 87 kg of heroin, a 135% increase from the same period in 2024

  • 1,703 kg of methamphetamine, which is less than the 3,064 kg seized in 2024

  • 24,833 kg of other drugs, narcotics and precursor chemicals, which is an increase of 35% from last year

  • 922 kg of other opioids (including opium, methadone, morphine and morphine base), a 289% increase from the same period in 2024

• CBSA intercepted over 42,400 kg of cannabis and 783,424 kg of undeclared tobacco, preventing millions of dollars in revenue evasion and combatting organized crime. This represents almost three times the weight of cannabis, and 43% more undeclared tobacco compared to the quantities seized for the same period last year.

• Detector Dog Service Teams conducted 29,486 searches, resulting in the interception of 13,986 high-risk food, plant and animal products, and 1,805 seizures of prohibited drugs, firearms and undeclared currency.

• Export examinations by the CBSA intercepted 1,327 stolen vehicles before they were shipped abroad. Police across Canada lead investigations into vehicle theft, and the CBSA acts on 100% of referrals and on our own intelligence to stop stolen vehicles from leaving the country.

• The Our Missing Children Program reunited 35 missing or abducted children with their parents or legal guardians. Since the program was created in 1986, the CBSA has helped reunite 2,100 missing children with their loved ones.

CBSA officers played a key role in ensuring the integrity of the immigration system and contributing to national security by:

• Removing nearly 19,000 foreign nationals from Canada for violating the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA). Of these, 841 were subject to serious inadmissibility (national security, organized crime, human rights violations, and criminality).

• Identifying 35,608 foreign nationals seeking to enter Canada at a port of entry along the land border with the U.S. believed to be inadmissible. As a result, the individuals withdrew their request to enter Canada.

• Completing security screenings for over 61,960 asylum claimants.

Additionally, CBSA Liaison Officers, located across the world intervened in 5,889 cases to recommend that airlines not allow a passenger to board a flight to Canada based on concerns over the validity of their travel documents.

Facilitating the flow of legitimate travellers into Canada

The CBSA welcomed over 70 million travellers into Canada, a 12% decrease from 2024. This includes approximately:

• 31.1 million travellers by air

• 35.8 million travellers by land

• 3.2 million travellers by water

Supporting our economy

This year, we took important steps to support the Canadian economy. The CBSA:

• processed almost 4.3 million commercial trucks into Canada, which is on par with volumes in 2024.

• collected $40.6 billion in payments in duties and taxes that support the programs and services Canadians rely on.

• Canada Border Servies Assessment and Revenue management (CARM) system processed:

  • over 41 million Commercial Accounting Declarations

  • over 202,500 businesses are now using the CARM Client Portal

The CBSA also played a key role in combatting unfair global trade practices, including a number of key actions that supported Canada’s multibillion dollar steel industry, which directly employs over 23,000 Canadians. The CBSA:

• administered the Special Import Measures Act (SIMA), with over $187.5 million in anti-dumping and countervailing duties assessed, which protects approximately 45,000 Canadian jobs annually.

• launched a combined 33 dumping and subsidy investigations for nine different products to determine whether they are being sold at unfair prices in Canada or whether they are receiving financial support from foreign governments. This included 20 investigations into steel products.

• enforced 176 trade remedy measures for industrial and consumer products from over 40 countries, 67% of which were for steel products. The measures resulted from investigations where it was found that dumping and subsidization occurred and was causing or threatening to cause harm to Canadian producers. They allow the CBSA to impose SIMA duties when necessary.

Quotes

“I have visited CBSA officers at ports of entry across the country and seen up close their commitment and dedication. I have also seen the enthusiasm of the newest cohort of CBSA graduates as we begin to hire the 1,000 new border officers we promised. I want to thank all those who work for the CBSA for their extraordinary work this past year and for all they do to protect our communities and support our economy. We are continuing to bolster these efforts by hiring more officers and investing in our Border Plan to keep Canadians safe.”

– The Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety

“I cannot overstate the importance of the work CBSA officers do each and every day. Their vigilance in intercepting fentanyl and other illicit substances before they reach our communities has had a profound impact on the safety of all Canadians. As a vital part of Canada’s enforcement ecosystem, their work with partners helps stop harm before it starts. I thank them for their professionalism and the very real role they play in saving lives, strengthening our borders, and reinforcing the trust of Canadians.”

– Kevin Brosseau, Canada’s Fentanyl Czar

“CBSA officers stand on guard for Canada every hour of every day. They work diligently to protect our communities and our prosperity. In 2025, the CBSA stopped transnational organized crime networks at our front door, found foreign companies that undervalue their goods and charged them, and stopped and removed inadmissible foreign nationals who try to come to Canada under false pretenses. And we are gearing up to do the same and more in 2026.”

– Erin O’Gorman, President, Canada Border Services Agency

Related products

• 2025 CBSA Year in review: Accomplishments by the numbers

• CBSA in Alberta: Highlights from 2025

• CBSA in Atlantic: Highlights from 2025

• CBSA in British Columbia and Yukon Territory: Highlights from 2025

• CBSA in Manitoba and the Northwest Territories: Highlights from 2025

• CBSA in Ontario and Nunavut: Highlights from 2025

• CBSA in Quebec: Highlights from 2025

• CBSA in Saskatchewan: Highlights from 2025

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From: Department of Justice Canada

News release

This web page deals with topics that may cause distress. If you or someone close to you needs support, we encourage you to reach out. Resources are available at canada.ca/mental-health.

One of the most consequential updates to Canada’s Criminal Code in generations to confront modern threats and better protect victims and survivors

December 9, 2025 – Ottawa, Ontario – Government of Canada

Violence driven by control and fear leaves deep and lasting harm in homes and communities across the country. This kind of abuse falls disproportionately on women, and too often the consequences are deadly. Predators prey on the most vulnerable among us, committing some of the most horrific crimes imaginable against children. These are among the most traumatic and disturbing cases in our justice system today, and Canada’s new government is moving swiftly to better protect victims and survivors, and ensure abusers and predators face the full force of the law.

Following sweeping reforms to make bail laws stricter and toughen sentencing laws for violent and organized crime, the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, announced today the introduction of the Protecting Victims Act, one of the most consequential reforms of the Criminal Code in a generation to protect victims and survivors of sexual violence, gender-based violence, and intimate partner violence, and to keep our kids safe from predators. This legislation also responds to long-standing concerns about court delays under the Jordan framework, which limits how long cases can take before they risk being dismissed, sometimes leaving victims without a resolution.

Stop intimate partner violence and femicide

• Making murder motivated by hate first-degree, including femicide: The Criminal Code would classify murders driven by hate or that occur alongside controlling or coercive behaviour of an intimate partner, sexual violence or exploitation as first-degree murder, even when there was no planning and deliberation. These killings overwhelmingly target women, with intimate partner homicides rising 39% last year and 81% of victims being women.

• Criminalize coercive control to facilitate intervention before intimate partner violence turns lethal: Abuse often escalates through patterns of control long before physical violence occurs. A new offence would target patterns of coercive or controlling behaviour, giving the justice system the tools to intervene before violence escalates.

• Modernize sexual violence protections: The proposed legislation would prohibit the distribution of non-consensual sexual deepfakes, increase penalties for the distribution of intimate images without consent, prohibit threats to distribute such images, and increase penalties for sexual assault on summary conviction.

Keep our kids safe from predators

• Put child predators behind bars: This legislation would strengthen mandatory minimum penalties of imprisonment for predators who possess or access child sexual abuse and exploitation material, including restoring at least a dozen mandatory minimum penalties of imprisonment for a range of child sexual offences that were previously struck down by courts. These changes would ensure that those who prey on our kids face prison time for the most heinous crimes imaginable.

• Crack down on online sextortion: Kids are being targeted online in a world with threats that are very different compared to a decade ago. This legislation proposes stronger measures to address online sexploitation and child luring, including by criminalizing threatening to distribute child sexual abuse and exploitation material and distributing bestiality depictions, which are known to be used to manipulate children for sexual purposes. The proposed changes would also strengthen Canada’s ability to prosecute predators who sexually exploit children abroad. To give law enforcement and prosecutors the tools they need to stop these crimes and bring perpetrators to justice, the limitation period for the prosecution of offences under the Mandatory Reporting Act would be extended from 2 to 5 years. Online platforms would also be required to preserve data longer, from 21 days to one year.

• Protect youth from being exploited into criminal activity: Criminal organizations are increasingly pressuring, recruiting, or grooming kids to commit serious crimes on their behalf. This legislation would create a new offence of recruiting youth into crime and toughen sentencing laws so that those who recruit, encourage, or counsel a kid to commit a crime would face a strong response.

For many victims, the court process itself can be overwhelming and retraumatizing. When cases drag on or are stayed because of procedural delays, victims are left without closure and justice is not served. This legislation would give courts clear guidance on how to deal with court delays, including in sexual assault cases and make clear that a stay need not be imposed in cases of delay. New measures would also improve victims and survivors’ access to information about their case and make testimonial aids more accessible. These changes would help victims feel safer in court, reduce trauma, and ensure they are treated with dignity throughout a process they should never have to endure.

To ensure mandatory minimum penalties remain strong, enforceable, and constitutional this legislation would strengthen all mandatory minimum penalties of imprisonment, including those in the Criminal Code. It would do so by allowing judicial discretion to order another sentence of imprisonment, where applying the specific mandatory minimum would be grossly disproportionate, except for murder and high treason which carry a life sentence. Jail time would still be required. This approach is designed to protect and preserve mandatory minimum penalties of imprisonment, while ensuring they continue to apply to the serious crimes for which they are intended. This builds on earlier reforms in Bill C-14, which proposes the removal of house arrest for a range of sexual and child-sexual offences and increased penalties for serious crimes.

This legislation also proposes to increase penalties for sexual crimes, including voyeurism, sexual assault, indecent exposure, non-consensual distribution of intimate images (including sexual deepfakes), and obtaining sexual services from a child, to better reflect the seriousness of the crimes.

Quotes

“We have heard directly from victims, survivors, and loved ones who were left carrying the weight of a system that asked too much of them and did too little to keep them safe. That cannot continue. These reforms confront the rise in coercive control, respond to the growing violence women are facing, and keep our kids safe from predators. They will make sure people who commit these horrific crimes face real consequences under the law. And at the heart of this work are the voices of victims and survivors, whose strength has shaped every step of this effort.”

The Honourable Sean Fraser, P.C., K.C.,
Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

“Addressing gender-based violence takes a coordinated effort across our governments, our communities, and our justice system. These reforms strengthen the tools available to protect women and girls, and to hold offenders accountable. Alongside our broader efforts to prevent violence before it happens, we are building a safer and more just Canada. Above all, we are guided by victims and survivors, whose voices and experiences continue to shape our path forward.”

The Honourable Rechie Valdez,
Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism)

“People in Canada deserve action that saves lives and stops the most heinous crimes before they happen. The Protecting Victims Act is a critical step toward ensuring every individual in this country can feel safe.”

Patricia Lattanzio,
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada

“Victims of crime face significant challenges when navigating the criminal justice system. The reforms proposed in this important legislation will make this system more responsive to the needs of victims by improving victims’ access to information. It also provides better protections for those who are victims of intimate partner violence and children who are exploited in the real world or online. Victims must be treated with respect in our criminal justice system. This bill will help achieve that.”

The Honourable Gary Anandasangaree,
Minister of Public Safety

“We’re strengthening the law because victims and survivors deserve a modern and robust justice system that does more to protect them and keep their communities safe. The comprehensive reforms in this bill are necessary to strengthen our criminal and family justice system and prevent the re-traumatization of victims.”

The Honourable Ruby Sahota,
Secretary of State (Combatting Crime)

“We welcome today’s amendments to strengthen online child protection. Online sexual violence against Canadian children, including online luring, have reached unprecedented levels. Confronting this epidemic is not optional and there is an urgent need to take action.”

Lianna McDonald,
Executive Director, Canadian Centre for Child Protection

“These proposed changes to the Criminal Code will be an important additional tool for our collective efforts to end gender-based violence. By including ‘femicide’ and recognising coercive and controlling behaviours, it will help expand legal, political and societal understanding of the continuum of violence survivors continue to face.”

Nneka MacGregor, LL.B.
Executive Director, WomenatthecentrE

Quick facts

• Research shows that women and girls disproportionately experience the most severe forms of intimate partner violence and sexual violence. Women are more likely to be killed by an intimate partner than by any other type of perpetrator.

• Statistics Canada reports that “in 2024, almost one in six homicide victims (17%) were killed by a spouse or an intimate partner, totalling 100 victims”, an increase from the previous year, which recorded 72 victims of intimate-partner violence. There was also a sharp increase in homicide of a woman by a current or former intimate-partner “from 53 in 2023 to 81 in 2024”.

• According to police services in Canada, in 2024, there were 349 victims of family violence per 100,000 population, and 356 victims of intimate partner violence per 100,000 population aged 12 and older. In all, there were 142,724 victims of family violence and 128,175 victims of intimate partner violence in 2024. After many years of consecutive gradual increases, rates of family violence and intimate partner violence in 2024 are relatively unchanged compared with 2023.

• From 2014 to 2021, police services in Canada reported 50,653 incidents of online sexual child exploitation. 72% of the offences related to child sexual abuse and exploitation material and 28% of incidents were “online sexual offences against children (such as luring and invitation to sexual touching)”.

• Data compiled by Cybertip.ca—Canada’s national tipline for reporting the abuse and exploitation of children online—shows that sextortion is on the rise. Although most sextortion incidents are not reported to the police, it is estimated that an average of seven incidents occur each day, totalling more than 2,600 cases between September 2023 and August 2024.

• According to Statistics Canada: “Just over one in five police-reported incidents of sexual assault (22%) during the period from 2015 to 2019 proceeded to court. Of these, just under half (48%) resulted in a finding of guilt, and of those, 50% resulted in a sentence of custody. Altogether, 5% of sexual assaults reported to police resulted in a sentence of custody.”

• This proposed legislation responds to recommendations in the Mass Casualty Commission’s final report, the Renfrew County inquest, the Federal Ombudsperson for Victims of Crime’s report entitled Rethinking Justice for Survivors of Sexual Violence: A Systemic Investigation, and various parliamentary reports.

• On October 29, 2025, the Government of Canada committed $660.5 million over five years for the Department for Women and Gender Equality to ensure sustained progress toward equality and safety for women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people. This includes $44.7 million to strengthen federal action in response to gender-based violence in support for populations that are at risk of GBV or underserved when they experience these forms of violence.

Related products

• Backgrounder: Proposed legislation to protect victims and keep kids safe from predators

• Backgrounder: Mandatory minimum penalties of imprisonment and Bill C-16

• Backgrounder: Proposed changes to sentences in Bill C-16

Associated links

• Victims Services Directory

• Gender-based violence – Get help now

• Federal action on gender-based violence

• The federal Gender-Based Violence Strategy

• The National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence

• Fact sheets - Victims’ Rights in Canada

• Bail and Sentencing Reform Act: Proposed legislation to make bail laws stricter and toughen sentencing laws

• Infosheet: Federal, Provincial and Territorial Responsibilities in Canada’s Criminal Justice System

• Video and Photo Gallery

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November 18, 2025
Ottawa, Ontario

A partnership based on common values and mutual interests

Canada and Sweden (the “Participants”) share a close relationship with extensive cooperation based on common values and mutual interests. As NATO Allies, we stand united in defending our freedom, territories, values, and interests. We are like-minded Arctic nations with shared interests in the North Atlantic and the Arctic region, and who recognise the vital contributions and rights of Indigenous Peoples in the Arctic in keeping with the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and international law. Canada and Sweden affirm our strong commitment to democracy and multilateralism, and to upholding human rights, including gender equality, the rule of law and the rules-based international order and trade system.

We confirm our shared desire to reinforce our bilateral relations through the establishment of this Strategic Partnership. It will strengthen the already close relations between our countries and further develop our cooperation in key policy areas, inter alia, competitiveness, trade and investment, economic development, security and defence, digital transition, science and research, innovation and technology, green transition, climate and energy, and Arctic cooperation and North-North connections. This Strategic Partnership reflects the rich and deepening ties between our peoples, governments, institutions, and businesses across the breadth of our relationship. It is aligned with the EU-Canada Strategic Partnership Agreement, EU-Canada Security and Defence Partnership and Canada-EU Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA).

A reliable trade partnership

We are like-minded supporters of free and rules-based trade. Canada and Sweden have complementary economies and enjoy a strong and growing commercial relationship, and this Strategic Partnership can unlock significant opportunities for both countries. The Canada-EU Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement offers predictability and transparency for businesses from both countries, and our countries are witnessing rapidly growing trade and investment relations.

Canada and Sweden will work together to further strengthen our business, commercial and industrial links, focusing particularly on sectors that will be most effective in enhancing the competitiveness, and productivity of our economies. We are committed to further diversifying and strengthening the resilience of our respective economies while reducing vulnerabilities in supply chains to minimize harmful dependencies.

This Strategic Partnership aims at promoting competitiveness and innovative solutions to societal challenges, such as the digital and green transition, as well as emerging strategic challenges. Leveraging key resources – such as our critical minerals, energy, and talent – will create new market opportunities for Canadian and Swedish businesses, foster sustainable economic development and create jobs, and help us achieve ambitions across a range of priorities from security and defence to prosperity, and climate goals.

A joint commitment to security, defence, and stability

Enhancing our partnership is more important than ever given the global challenges we face together, including Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, increasing cyber and hybrid threats, the increasing impact of climate change and the corresponding need for higher global climate ambition. Canada and Sweden are committed to deepening and broadening our bilateral engagement to tackle these shared challenges, including by the development of a mutual arrangement on strengthened defence cooperation.

As close transatlantic partners, NATO Allies and Arctic nations, Canada and Sweden are committed to strengthening the transatlantic link further. Our joint responses to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine have demonstrated the importance of transatlantic unity and cooperation. NATO remains the cornerstone of Euro-Atlantic security and the bedrock of collective defence.

Canada and Sweden’s shared commitment to security and defence in the Euro-Atlantic area and the close partnership as NATO Allies provides an opportunity for deeper military cooperation between our countries, including through Canada’s role as framework nation for the NATO Multinational Brigade in Latvia. We recognize the potential for joint defence procurement, production, capability development and innovation.

We reaffirm our unwavering support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine is a violation of international law, including the Charter of the United Nations. We concur on the need to ensure accountability for Russia’s international crimes, including by establishing a special tribunal for the crime of aggression.

Canada and Sweden support Ukraine’s diplomatic efforts for a just and lasting peace based on international law and the UN Charter. To this end, Canada and Sweden will continue to work closely together with our other partners in the Coalition of the Willing to develop security guarantees for Ukraine and to support its defence. Canada and Sweden will also continue to support Ukraine on its irreversible path to full Euro-Atlantic integration; Ukraine’s future is in NATO. We will continue our support to Ukraine for as long as it takes, both bilaterally and multilaterally.

Recognizing that Russia will remain the most significant threat to Euro-Atlantic security for the foreseeable future, Canada and Sweden will continue to cooperate closely to constrain and contest Russia’s aggressive actions and counter its ability to conduct destabilising activities. We underline the importance of limiting Russia’s ability to wage its war of aggression, including through supporting sanctions and measures against the shadow fleet transporting Russian oil used to circumvent sanctions and the G7 oil price cap.

Canada and Sweden recognise the value of our likeminded approach to arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation and continued cooperation within the frameworks of the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention (the Ottawa Convention), the Stockholm Initiative for Nuclear Disarmament and the Initiative for Reducing the Risk of Nuclear Conflict.

Guided by the core principles of multilateral cooperation, international law including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), territorial integrity, and the rules-based international order, Canada and Sweden are committed to strengthening our collaboration to address the complex global challenges in the Arctic and maintain the region as secure, peaceful, and prosperous. Canada and Sweden both recognize the Arctic Council as the pre-eminent forum for Arctic governance and cooperation on sustainable development and environmental protection in the region, in collaboration with Indigenous Peoples and for the benefit of the people living in the Arctic.

Canada and Sweden recognise that the prosperity and security of the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions are inextricably linked. We will work to bolster partnerships with the Indo-Pacific region, including through the implementation of Canada’s and the EU’s Indo-Pacific Strategies, and Sweden’s defence policy direction for the Indo-Pacific region.

Enabling innovation and competitiveness through a strategic focus on science and technology

Canada and Sweden are global leaders in science and innovation. We recognise that our capacity in this respect is the key to solving the grand challenges of our time and fundamental for sustainable economic development and job creation.

We will build on the already close cooperation within established bodies such as the European Space Agency, Arctic Council, and others. Canada and Sweden encourage research collaboration between higher education institutions and research institutions, including through the EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, Horizon Europe. To maintain our leadership in science and innovation we will foster research excellence, safeguard academic freedom and strengthen responsible internationalisation.

By leveraging closer collaboration in research and technology development, Canada and Sweden will continue to drive innovation while also supporting the responsible use and commercialisation of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, quantum and space technologies, next-generation wireless networks, including 5G and 6G, and clean energy. This cooperation is expected to foster robust innovation ecosystems, unlock business opportunities, and support long-term economic growth.

Canada and Sweden will enhance cooperation in health, as well as pandemic and health emergency preparedness and response, focusing on pharmaceutical policy, life sciences, supply chain resilience, industrial cooperation, and medical countermeasures. Canada and Sweden will also endeavour to share knowledge and best practices in infectious disease monitoring and surveillance, as well as progress we have made towards global disease elimination targets.

Firmly committed to international development, environmental protection, climate action, and clean energy

Canada and Sweden are committed to the implementation of international development priorities and delivering accelerated progress on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals, the Addis Ababa Action Agenda on Financing for Development, the Paris Agreement, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the Global Framework on Chemicals. As members of the High Ambition Coalition to End Plastic Pollution, Canada and Sweden share the common ambition of ending plastic pollution by 2040.

Canada and Sweden are committed to advancing global climate action and efforts to limit temperature rise to 1.5°C as set out in the Paris Agreement. Together, we will accelerate action in order to achieve net-zero emissions. This will be done in accordance with our respective national targets and in keeping with the science, including through cooperation on nuclear power, nuclear safety, and clean technologies. In response to shifting geopolitical and geoeconomic dynamics, we will aim to deepen bilateral cooperation and promote the global adoption of advanced technologies in areas such as decarbonized steel, critical minerals, and small modular reactors, thereby supporting a sustainable and resilient future.

Scope of cooperation

Pillar 1: Economic development, competitiveness, trade and investment

Within this pillar, Canada and Sweden will deepen our partnership and cooperation in the following policy areas and topics, including but not limited to:

• bilateral trade, investment, and innovation relations

• economic security including critical minerals, foreign investment screening, and resilient and secure supply chains

• forestry, forest products and forest-based bioeconomy

• international trade and the multilateral trading system, including the WTO

• mining and critical minerals

• modular and prefabricated housing innovation

• talent attraction, migration and integration

Work within this pillar will be coordinated by Global Affairs Canada and Sweden’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs.

Pillar 2: Security, defence, and resilience

Within this pillar, Canada and Sweden will deepen our partnership and cooperation in the following policy areas and topics, including but not limited to:

• NATO and the transatlantic link

• long-term support to Ukraine

• strategic dialogue on security and defence issues

• military and civilian training and exercises, including multilaterally

• defence industrial co-operation in the land, air, and maritime domain, including critical underwater infrastructure

• defence materiel cooperation including information exchange, joint test and evaluation, exchange of personnel, common capability development and joint procurement

• defence research and development, innovation and technology, including new emerging and disruptive technologies, such as exploring advanced cyber capability, quantum technology and artificial intelligence

• defence logistics support and security of supply

• hybrid threats, cyber defence and cyber security, disinformation, and the space domain

• secure information exchange and situational awareness

• women, peace and security, including but not limited to women in peace operations

• arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation

• export control on military equipment and dual-use items

• climate-security nexus

• civilian missions and military operations under the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy

• societal resilience, civil preparedness and the Swedish total defence concept

• democracy support

Work within this pillar will be coordinated by Global Affairs Canada and Canada’s Department of National Defence, and Sweden’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Defence.

Pillar 3: Arctic cooperation and North-North connections

Within this pillar, Canada and Sweden will deepen our partnership and cooperation in the following policy areas and topics, including but not limited to:

• Arctic Council

• civil safety, and security and defence

• Indigenous culture and language

• Northern and Indigenous trade and export

• polar and Arctic research

• polar connectivity and infrastructure

Work within this pillar will be coordinated by Global Affairs Canada and Sweden’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs.

Pillar 4: Digital transition, research, science, innovation, technology, health and life sciences

Within this pillar, Canada and Sweden will deepen our partnership and cooperation in the following policy areas and topics, including but not limited to:

• antimicrobial resistance in the animal sector

• artificial intelligence

• biomanufacturing and life sciences

• digitalization and connectivity

• health emergency and pandemic preparedness and life sciences innovation

• infectious disease monitoring and surveillance

• next generation wireless networks and the use of secure, resilient and trusted connectivity, including 5G and 6G

• pharmaceutical policy

• quantum technology

• space

Work within this pillar will be coordinated by Canada’s Department for Industry, Science and Economic Development, Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada, and Sweden’s Ministry of Education and Research and Ministry of Health and Social Affairs.

Pillar 5: Climate, environment, and energy

Within this pillar, Canada and Sweden will deepen our partnership and cooperation in the following policy areas and topics, including but not limited to:

• climate action, including mitigation, adaptation and finance, and with a focus on measures and technologies to close the ambition gap and advance implementation of national climate plans, including Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), in line with efforts to keep the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C warming goal within reach

• environmental protection, including plastic pollution

• promoting the deployment of clean electricity and nuclear power

• natural disasters and risk management

• nuclear power and direct and indirect fossil free electrification of the energy system, and nuclear safety, management of spent fuel and radioactive waste

Work within this pillar will be coordinated by Environment and Climate Change Canada and Natural Resources Canada, and Sweden’s Ministry of Climate and Enterprise.

Application and review

This Strategic Partnership will bring together people, governments, institutions, and businesses, and paves the way for deepened cooperation between Canada and Sweden. An action plan will be developed with concrete actions in the pillars and their respective policy areas and topics set out above. These actions will be specified in the action plan and could include, inter alia:

• conferences, roundtables and business fora

• establishment of memoranda of understanding, agreements and treaties

• exchange and sharing of information and assessments

• exchange of expertise, experiences and best practices

• increased contacts and visits at political and civil servant levels, including government agencies

• joint engagement with external stakeholders such as businesses, academia and research institutes, think tanks and civil society organizations

• joint political initiatives and formulation of political positions, including in multilateral organizations, formats and contexts

• joint projects and cooperation platforms

• personnel exchange and secondments

• promotion of people-to-people contacts

• regular consultations at political and civil servant levels, including the establishment of dialogue formats and mechanisms

Global Affairs Canada and Sweden’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs will coordinate the application of this Strategic Partnership and its action plan, and review progress across the full range of policy areas and topics, in close consultation with the respective departments and ministries, and their subordinated government agencies.

Canada and Sweden will review progress of this Strategic Partnership and its action plan annually or when otherwise required.

Amendments of this Strategic Partnership and its action plan may be decided through regular diplomatic channels of communication between Canada and Sweden.

The Participants may amend this Strategic Partnership at any time upon their mutual written consent.

Either Participant may terminate this Strategic Partnership by giving to the other Participant ninety (90) days’ written notice of its intent to terminate.

Legal

This Strategic Partnership is not legally binding under international law.

Signed in the English and French languages, each version being equally valid.

From: Natural Resources Canada

News release

October 31, 2025 Toronto, Ontario Natural Resources Canada

As the world confronts evolving energy challenges shaped by geopolitical pressures, climate change and technological disruption, Canada will continue to work with G7 partners and other allies to reinforce prosperity, security and sustainability for citizens around the world.

Today, the Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, along with the Honourable Julie Dabrusin, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, concluded the G7 Energy and Environment Ministers’ Meeting in Toronto, Ontario. Under Canada’s Presidency, G7 ministers took steps to advance priority areas:

• Critical minerals, including 26 new investments, partnerships and measures to accelerate and unlock $6.4 billion in critical minerals projects; up to $20.2 million in support of international collaborations in research and development; and committing to actions to advance standards-based markets.

• Artificial intelligence, including powering AI into the future, building trust in adopting AI and other digital technologies in energy systems, responsible growth and the endorsement of the G7 Energy and AI Work Plan.

• Energy security, including a G7 Call to Action on Enhancing Energy Security; modernizing energy infrastructure to meet growing electricity demand; securing energy supply chains; strengthening gas markets to support stability; and delivering the G7’s first comprehensive statement on Nuclear and Fusion Energy including responsible waste management.

As part of energy security discussions, Ukraine’s Minister of Energy, Svitlana Grynchuk, outlined the impact of Russia’s relentless attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and the country’s immediate energy needs. G7 Ministers issued a strong statement expressing unwavering support for rebuilding a modern energy system that is reliable, resilient and efficient for all Ukrainians.

During the G7 Ministers’ Meeting, the Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs, joined Minister Hodgson and Minister Grynchuk to announce that Canada is expediting the final portion of its $70-million contribution to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund, an initiative led by the Energy Community Secretariat, to support energy needs in Ukraine. A payment of $10 million has been disbursed early to help Ukraine repair critical energy infrastructure damaged by Russian strikes.

Canada remains committed to working with its G7 allies toward a fair, secure and sustainable energy future.

Quotes

“Just as the G7 was born out of an energy crisis to provide stability and direction, we are now called to the same task of anchoring a rules-based, market-driven and democratic order. Canada believes firmly in multilateralism and that we stand stronger together, and we will continue to move decisively with our G7 allies to shape the global energy transition on our terms.”

The Honourable Tim Hodgson
Minister of Energy and Natural Resources

Quick facts

• The G7 welcomed participation at the G7 Energy and Environment Ministers’ Meeting by representatives from Australia, Mexico, South Korea and Ukraine.

• Meeting discussions on key energy priorities were informed by side events with representatives from industry, civil society, and other partners and stakeholders, including the Energy Innovation Forum, co-hosted by Canada and the International Energy Agency (IEA), and the Atlantic Council’s Summit on the Future of Energy Security.

• On October 29, 2025, Minister Hodgson participated in an announcement of new investments and progress in Canada’s carbon removal industry:

  • NorthX Climate Tech — founded in 2021 with initial investments from the Government of Canada, the Government of British Columbia and Shell Canada — announced an investment of $3.4 million in four Canadian carbon removal ventures: CarbonRun, Skyrenu Technologies, NULIFE Greentech and pHathom Technologies.

  • Arca Climate Technologies, one of NRCan and NorthX’s previous investments, announced a new offtake agreement with Microsoft to deliver nearly 300,000 tonnes of durable carbon dioxide removal over 10 years.

• Minister Hodgson gave opening remarks at the second annual International Energy Agency (IEA) Energy Innovation Forum on October 29, 2025, during which he announced more than $11 million toward cutting-edge, made-in-Canada carbon utilization and storage technologies. The four funded projects support the development of safe and efficient subsurface CO₂ storage and the research, development and demonstration of utilization technologies that can reduce costs, energy use and carbon intensity.

• Minister Hodgson also delivered remarks at the Atlantic Council’s Summit on the Future of Energy Security on October 29, where he highlighted some key projects in which Canada has helped support energy security in Ukraine, including rebuilding and modernizing energy infrastructure and optimizing energy supply.

• At a Business 7 (B7) industry event on the margins of the G7 Energy and Environment Ministers’ Meeting on October 29, Minister Hodgson participated in discussions on energy security and innovation, critical minerals and resource development, sustainable economic growth and decarbonization efforts. In line with Canada’s energy priorities for the G7, he highlighted the work being done by Canadian industry to advance energy security, critical minerals supply chains and energy and artificial intelligence.

• During his participation in the G7 Energy and Environment Ministers’ Meeting, Minister Hodgson and IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol announced that they will co-host the 11^th Annual Global Conference on Energy Efficiency from June 29 to 30, 2026 in Montreal, Quebec. The conference is a leading international forum for advancing energy efficiency, and brings together senior leaders from civil, finance and business sectors around the world. The IEA also announced a roadmap for its Energy and AI Observatory, through which it will be able to provide up-to-date data on energy demand and share information on best practices on AI applications for efficiency, innovation, resilience and competitiveness.

• On the margins of the G7 meeting, Minister Hodgson also announced $5 million in federal funding to Nano One Materials Corp. for the commercialization of its One Pot Process for lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery production. This funding will support research and expanding production capacity at its facilities in British Columbia and Quebec. The project will allow Nano One to optimize performance of its LFP cathode battery products and achieve commercial-scale production, with the aim to produce over 800 tonnes of LFP per year and create good local job opportunities.

• On the margins of the G7 meeting, Minister Hodgson held bilateral meetings with many of his counterparts, including from the United States, France, Australia, the European Union, Germany, Ukraine, Japan and Italy.

  • Minister Hodgson and Italy’s Minister of the Environment and Energy Security, Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, launched a Canada–Italy Ministers’ Level Energy Dialogue to enhance cooperation on critical minerals, nuclear energy and other priority areas and identify future opportunities for engagement between the two countries. The ministers have committed to have their senior officials continue to engage on these issues.

  • Minister Hodgson met with Japan’s State Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Yamada Kenji, and released a Canada–Japan Statement on Cooperation in the Energy Resources Sector, noting the need to deepen bilateral cooperation toward the goals of decarbonization, economic growth, and energy security.

  • Minister Hodgson and Ukraine’s Minister of Energy, Svitlana Grynchuk, signed a declaration of intent to enhance strategic collaboration in the energy sector, with a central focus on meeting Ukraine’s pressing needs, building commercial partnerships, and strengthening cooperation on power generation, renewable energy, oil and gas, energy efficiency and innovation.

  • Minister Hodgson and Australia’s Minister for Resources, Madeleine King, signed a joint declaration of intent on critical minerals cooperation to promote and strengthen cooperation and trade in the critical minerals value chain, facilitate investments and encourage commercial partnerships and research collaborations between the two countries.

• On November 1, following the G7 Energy and Environment Ministers’ meeting, Minister Hodgson will join representatives from the Ontario Government and Ontario Power Generation and from France, Japan and Ukraine on a site visit to the world-class Darlington Nuclear Generation Station. Darlington is a strong example of how public and private sectors can work together to enhance energy security, advance cutting-edge, made-in-Canada nuclear technologies and deliver a clean and reliable energy future.

Related products

• Chairs’ Summary: 2025 G7 Energy and Environment Ministers’ Meeting

• Backgrounder: Energy and artificial intelligence

• Backgrounder: Energy security

Associated links

• G7 Energy and Environment Ministers’ Meeting

• Canada to host G7 Energy and Environment Ministers’ Meeting in Toronto, Ontario

• Canada advances energy innovation with major investments in carbon technologies and AI solutions

• Canada unlocks 26 new investments and partnerships with 9 allied countries to secure critical minerals supply chains

• G7 Critical Minerals Action Plan Roadmap

• G7 Energy and AI Work Plan

• G7 Call to Action on Enhancing Energy Security

• G7 Statement on Nuclear and Fusion Energy

• G7 Statement on Ukraine’s Energy Security

• Joint Statement on the Inaugural Canada-Italy Bilateral Energy Dialogue

• Joint Statement between the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan and Natural Resources Canada on Cooperation in the Energy Resources Sector

• Joint Declaration of Intent between Canada and Australia on Critical Minerals Cooperation

Chairs’ Summary: 2025 G7 Energy and Environment Ministers’ Meeting

From: Natural Resources Canada

Statement

October 31, 2025 Toronto, Ontario

Ministers of Energy and Environment of the Group of Seven (G7) gathered in Toronto, Ontario, from October 30-31, 2025. Topics discussed and solutions advanced included strengthening energy security and affordability; promoting energy innovation, including as it relates to AI; protecting the environment; and fighting climate change, with the objective of supporting competitive, prosperous, sustainable, and resilient economies and communities.

Five decades after the G7’s founding in 1975, Ministers discussed the strategic role for continued G7 leadership in the context of global multilateral efforts, through domestic and global action and investments, in pursuit of energy and environmental objectives.

Ministers discussed the impacts that global economic and geopolitical shifts, climate change, environmental degradation, and technological advancement are having on energy security and economic competitiveness. Their dialogue focused on delivering concrete solutions to respond to current and emerging risks and opportunities. They condemned the use of energy as a tool of coercion and were united in their condemnation of Russia’s war against Ukraine and recent direct attacks on Ukraine’s energy system. Ministers discussed how the G7 will continue to support the recovery of Ukraine’s energy sector through direct financial, assistance, policy, and resource alignment.

With the imperative of ensuring greater energy security for our populations, a prominent focus was placed on actions to secure resilient, reliable and transparent supply chains, particularly for critical minerals and key energy technologies and components for power systems. As members of the Critical Minerals Production Alliance, they shared how domestic policy tools will be leveraged to operationalize projects that will address global critical minerals supply chain concentration, disruptions and vulnerabilities. They identified collective actions to bring critical mineral projects into production with high standards, agreeing coordination is key to drive economic growth and strengthen supply chains. Ministers agreed that their critical minerals envoys would advance these actions, as well as consider how to structure and support the work under the Alliance to ensure its continued forward momentum.

Ministers were unified on the urgent need to make strategic investments to build out and modernize grid and transmission infrastructure to power the increasingly digitalized 21^st century economy. Discussions also considered efforts to bolster security for transition fuels. To meet ever-increasing demand for clean power, Ministers exchanged on the safe and responsible deployment of nuclear energy technologies as well as increased collaboration in fusion technology. The role of public and private sector investment in energy innovation was acknowledged as essential for boosting economic competitiveness and growth as well as meeting climate objectives.

The rising impacts and costs of climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, including plastic pollution, and other environmental crises, were widely recognized by Ministers. This included particular emphasis on the role of climate change as a driver of increasingly frequent and intense extreme weather events, such as wildfires, as well as biodiversity loss, ecosystem degradation, water insecurity, and food insecurity, among other global impacts. The need for urgent, science-aligned action to accelerate efforts to fight climate change and achieve net-zero by 2050 was discussed. There was wide acknowledgement of the benefits, including significant economic benefits, of collectively fighting climate change.

Emphasizing the importance of advancing our Leaders’ commitments in the Kananaskis Wildfire Charter, and recognizing the devastating toll that extreme weather events can have on people, the economy and the environment, Ministers discussed the need to facilitate early warning systems for all, and to better equip public and private actors at all levels to prevent, predict, prepare for, and build resilience to extreme weather events, in line with the best available science, including the findings of the IPCC. Ministers also discussed priorities and actions to address water-related challenges, including the opportunity for the G7 to work together to develop shared priorities, as well as possible commitments and initiatives in the lead up to the 2026 UN Water Conference, with the aim of supporting concrete and action-oriented outcomes, and to undertake similar efforts for the 2028 UN Water Conference concluding the Water Action Decade. Ministers also discussed undertaking G7 coordination on a potential regular inter-governmental process on water within the UN system.

Moreover, a number of Ministers emphasized the importance of halting and reversing global biodiversity loss, and stressed their continued commitment to implementing the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF), including the 30 by 30 global conservation goal. They also welcomed the forthcoming entry into force of the Agreement on Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ). In light of ongoing negotiations on a global plastics treaty, all Ministers also reaffirmed their constructive engagement towards an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution.

Ministers considered the economic opportunity of action on energy and environment, and how the energy transition could foster economic competitiveness and growth, create prosperity and jobs, and ensure resilient and healthy communities. In this regard, Ministers discussed the economic opportunities presented by scaling up clean and renewable energy and innovative technologies such as artificial intelligence, Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS), Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) and battery storage technologies. Many Ministers noted the contributions of energy efficiency for enhancing both energy security and energy transition goals, and opportunities for advancing energy efficiency across economies.

Ministers also reflected on the opportunities to advance integrated approaches that leverage synergies and co-benefits for people, economies, and the environment, including Nature-based Solutions (NbS), the circular economy, and the sustainable management of water, marine, coastal and other natural capital to drive growth, create jobs and enhance prosperity, while ensuring alignment with national and international ocean and broader conservation objectives.

In that context, Ministers discussed how they can strategically deploy public resources for maximum impact. This includes mobilizing private finance for climate and environmental solutions to support the most impacted abroad, while generating economic opportunities, good jobs and sustainable growth at home, and targeting the most concessional finance to the most vulnerable, including Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs).

It was recognized that G7 efforts and delivery on shared priorities would require action from all partners, and leveraging partnerships, such as with other governments, Indigenous Peoples, the private sector, and civil society. Ministers welcomed the ongoing constructive role of the International Energy Agency (IEA) in providing data and analysis to inform work on energy systems, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and critical minerals.

In this regard, Ministers agreed to continue G7 efforts to enhance cooperation and collaboration, together and with partners, on key areas related to energy and environment. Their commitments included:

• Fostering and intensifying joint work on freshwater through the G7 Water Coalition Workplan, with the objective of aligning efforts across global water-related processes to translate dialogue into meaningful action.

• Advancing continued G7 action through the Toronto Action Plan on Circular Economy and Resource Efficiency, with a particular focus on high-impact sectors of critical minerals and raw materials, textiles and fashion, and plastics.

• Delivering the Roadmap to Promote Standards-Based Markets for Critical Minerals that will strengthen collective action on securing resilient, reliable and transparent critical minerals supply chains, as an early action in implementing the Critical Minerals Action Plan agreed by leaders at the Leaders Summit in Kananaskis.

• Advancing the Canada-led Critical Minerals Production Alliance announced by G7 Leaders, to address supply chain vulnerabilities by taking decisive action with key partners and industry through strategic investments and offtakes in critical minerals projects necessary for defence and advanced manufacturing supply.

• Collaborating with international and industry partners to deliver the Energy and AI Work Plan, as tasked by Leaders under the G7 Statement on AI for Prosperity. The Work Plan is designed to drive adoption of AI and digital technologies in energy systems, foster innovation, and develop the skills and workforce needed for responsible growth.

• Taking action to build greater collective energy security through the G7 Call to Action on Enhancing Energy Security, and reaffirming support for Ukraine’s energy security and continued support for rebuilding a modern, reliable, resilient, and efficient Ukrainian energy system.

• Seizing the opportunities of nuclear and fusion energy, supporting the deployment of innovative nuclear technologies such as small modular reactors and advanced reactors, and ensuring responsible waste management.

Discussions were informed and enriched by side events with industry, civil society and other partners and stakeholders, such as the Energy Innovation Forum, co-hosted with the IEA, the Atlantic Council’s Summit on the Future of Energy Security, and the High-Level Roundtable on Mobilizing International Private Finance for Climate and Environment, co-hosted with the World Resources Institute (WRI).

The G7 welcomed participation at the Ministerial Meeting by representatives from Australia, Mexico, the Republic of Korea, Ukraine, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the IEA, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Secretariat, and the WRI.

Ministers looked forward to France’s leadership as G7 President in 2026.

Annexed G7 Energy and Environment Ministers’ Meeting outcomes include:

• G7 Water Coalition Workplan

• Toronto Action Plan on Circular Economy and Resource Efficiency

• Chair’s Statement on Extreme Weather Prediction, Preparedness and Response

• Roadmap to Promote Standards-based Markets for Critical Minerals

• G7 Energy and AI Work plan

• G7 Call to Action on Enhancing Energy Security

• G7 Statement on Ukraine’s Energy Security

• G7 Statement on Nuclear and Fusion Energy

G7 Call to Action on Enhancing Energy Security

From: Natural Resources Canada

Statement

October 31, 2025

National Security and Economic Prosperity

As we mark the 50th Anniversary of the G7, as a group founded to strengthen economic cooperation, including in response to energy risks, we the G7 Ministers of Energy underscore the evolving scope of energy security and its impact on growth, competitiveness, and broader national and economic security. We note the importance of securing critical mineral and technology supply chains necessary for economic prosperity and national security, strengthening collaboration to improve the stability, resilience and flexibility of energy systems to meet energy demand and protect against threats and disruptions. We will take forward discussions to advance diversification, predictability and international collaboration on energy security recognizing the evolving and complex nature of energy systems.

We recognize that some countries are advancing the integration of zero and low emission energy sources as part of secure energy systems.

Building on our common resolve to enhance energy security, as articulated under the previous G7 Presidencies, and Canada’s G7 Leaders’ Summit in Kananaskis, we emphasize our determination to collaborate on energy security with a focus this year on the themes outlined in this Call to Action, We emphasize strengthening and securing supply chains for critical minerals, including through government and industry engagement and investment efforts under the Critical Minerals Production Alliance. We further undertake to build more secure, diverse and resilient supply chains for energy technologies, build and expand resilient infrastructure, including addressing systemic risk, and strengthening gas and electricity security in line with our domestic priorities and respective international commitments.

We condemn the use and manipulation of the supply of energy, critical minerals, and energy system technologies, as a tool of economic coercion, specifically through the adoption of non-market policies and practices such as market manipulation.

We further condemn physical and cyber-attacks, including threats to maritime shipping chokepoints for critical energy supplies, and to energy infrastructure that may threaten the safety, security, and economic well-being of the populations of G7 and allied nations, including Ukraine.

We also recognize the threats posed to energy infrastructure and supply chains by natural disasters and severe weather events, and the associated costs therein.

We affirm our commitment to achieving universal access to energy and reducing energy poverty. This includes advancing global access, affordability, and finance availability, to expand access to clean cooking technologies and fuels, including but not limited to, liquified petroleum gas (LPG).

Call to Action on Enhancing Energy Security

Recognizing the importance of concerted action to address these threats, the G7 hereby issues a Call to Action on Enhancing Energy Security that has diversification, predictability and international cooperation as its pillars to ensuring our individual and collective energy security.

Securing Critical Minerals & Technology Supply Chains

Ensuring our common energy security and broader national security objectives starts with cooperation on secure, diverse, and resilient access to critical minerals. We recognize the importance of taking effective action to ensure that actors engaged in non-market policies and practices cannot distort markets for critical minerals, and of reducing, and eventually eliminating, our dependence on non-market dominated critical minerals supply chains. Pursuant to the direction from G7 Leaders at the Summit in Kananaskis and articulated in the Critical Minerals Action Plan and the launch of the Critical Minerals Production Alliance, we will take actions to strengthen supply chain resilience, reliability, traceability and transparency, establish criteria that constitute a minimum threshold for standards-based markets, and secure and responsible critical minerals supply chains.

We recognize that the secure, diverse, reliable and resilient access to critical minerals is of paramount importance for our security and economic growth, and we are resolved to move the G7 Critical Minerals Action Plan forward across its three foundational pillars:

1. Building standards-based markets.

2. Mobilizing capital and investing in partnerships.

3. Promoting innovation.

We note with significant concern the impacts that restrictions on critical minerals, notably rare earth elements, are having across supply chains, including creating risks for global manufacturing and technologies pertaining to the energy sector.

We agree to use sovereign tools at our disposal to operationalize projects that will reduce global critical minerals supply chain disruptions and vulnerabilities. We will continue to collectively advance efforts under the Critical Minerals Production Alliance, to secure critical mineral supply chains through measures such as aggregating demand, coordinating offtake agreements with public and private sector participants and implementing price stabilization mechanisms with a view to supporting the production of more minerals needed for our collective security. By working together, including through our Alliance envoys, we are committed to bringing critical mineral projects into production with high standards, to drive economic growth and strengthen the security of supply of essential critical minerals.

To further complement our common energy and broader national security objectives, we undertake to collaborate on the diversification of supply chains for energy technology and components to make them more secure, robust, diversified and resilient. Together with industry and expert international organizations, we are dedicated to:

• Develop, where feasible, trusted, interoperable and reliable data on supply chains for energy technology and components (mapping, best practices, advanced tools and reporting) to inform decision-making. This will assist with better understanding risks and interdependencies across critical mineral and energy technology value chains as well as identifying, prioritizing and addressing gaps and vulnerabilities in supply chains of high importance.

• Drive investments and bring together partners from developed and developing countries to support their integration in energy supply chains to promote diversification and resilience in order to enable substantial investments, mobilize private capital and establish strong partnership models for a secure, diverse, responsible and resilient supply chains of critical minerals, the G7 will also leverage its Public Development Banks and Development Finance Institutions. These institutions, complementing the interventions of Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) are particularly well placed to catalyze private finance and strengthen capacity building efforts in emerging markets and developing economies.

• Undertake efforts to reduce primary critical mineral and material use and increase the circularity and resource efficiency of key energy materials.

Building Resilient Electricity Infrastructure

We recognize the importance of promoting resilient and efficient electricity infrastructure and meeting the anticipated growth in electricity demand projected in the coming years across the G7, notably due to growing electrification as well as data centres’ growing consumption. We will undertake efforts to optimize electricity demand and supply, to modernize and expand grid infrastructure, including transmission lines, taking into account the associated costs from cyber and physical attacks, natural disasters, and other threats. Implementing clear, predictable, stable, and efficient permitting, planning policies, and regulations, as appropriate and consistent with domestic priorities, is an essential component of energy security. We recognize the value of efforts that maximize the flexibility of supply and demand, reliability, and resilience of intertwined electricity markets, electricity systems, and the contribution of all grid technologies and assets. This includes wide- and large-scale integration of affordable, reliable, durable, enduring and secure energy, including all advanced technologies, as well as on the deployment of storage technologies.

We recognize the need for increasing the pace and scale of deployment of electricity generation and delivery infrastructure required to meet future electricity demand, drive affordability and address bottlenecks to private investments.

In this context, we are committed to advancing domestic efforts and international cooperation, including through the sharing of data and best practices, to:

• Significantly scale-up investment in electricity transmission and distribution grids with the aim of expanding, strengthening, modernizing, and digitalizing networks.

• Respond to projected demand growth with integration of affordable, reliable, and secure sources, in line with domestic priorities.

• Address supply chain barriers including unfair market practices, inefficient regulations, and lack of appropriate investment and incentives for essential energy technologies and components critical to the timely delivery of grid infrastructure (such as semiconductors, power transformers, batteries, transmission and distribution cables and grain-oriented electrical steel).

• Enhance integrated, long-term energy planning, according to countries’ individual domestic needs, including for power systems, to enable the identification of priority infrastructure projects to help attract capital, build system resilience, and accelerate grid modernization, including standardization, to enable grids to meet future demand.

• Improve the efficiency of project review and accelerate permitting processes, contributing to shorter project lead time for critical infrastructure.

• Accelerate the development and deployment of innovation in support of grid modernization.

• Grow the skilled workforce of the future to address labour shortages across the energy sector, including manufacturing and technical expertise for enabling technologies such as AI.

We affirm our commitment to collaborate on the existing and evolving physical and cyber threats that electricity systems face, with a view to provide options and solutions to mitigate risks, and strengthen the preparedness and resilience of power systems, including through our continued collaboration in the IEA’s recently-established Electricity Security Task Force.

Strengthening Gas Security

We recognize the critical importance of near to medium-term natural gas security in an increasingly dynamic geopolitical environment, and the need for likeminded producer and consumer nations to create favorable conditions to continue to balance supply and demand especially considering regional supply needs, in line with our international commitments. We will collaborate to ensure gas security and affordability, including through necessary contractual arrangements and products in response to regional supply gaps and sharing best practices on policy options. We recognize the contributions of industry and stakeholders to energy security, reliability, and affordability, as well as innovations that improve responsible performance, including with respect to emissions.

We are encouraged that the natural gas industry within G7 nations contributes to energy security.

We recognize the role of voluntary initiatives engaging industry and governments that provide transparency on attributes of gas, including in response to consumer preferences and choice. We emphasize that industry and stakeholder-led voluntary initiatives can help in strengthening energy security and enhancing market competitiveness of reliable energy sources.

We recognize that to ensure gas security, it is essential to diversify supply, to promote greater data availability across the value chain and to implement robust policies and measures that support research and development into gas reserves, including gas reserve mechanisms and advanced storage technologies, in line with our international commitments. Improving resilience of gas pipelines, terminals and storage, increasing storage efficiency, introducing flexible commercial arrangements, enhancing transparency of information, and reducing storage costs help strengthen energy security and contribute to a more stable and resilient energy market.

In this context we are committing to strengthening energy security and supporting greater market stability by:

• Welcoming exchange of best practices, and lessons learned from pilot projects, on the production and distribution of gases, including but not limited to natural gas, hydrogen, e-methane, and biogases in line with domestic priorities.

• Ensuring adequate natural gas storage capacity, including through gas reserve mechanisms or other sources of flexibility, and improving the efficiency of natural gas infrastructure, including natural gas pipelines and terminals.

• Exploring potential opportunities through international co-operation with likeminded partners, including industry, and engaging in dialogues to enhance market competitiveness and transparency of reliable energy sources through voluntary market-based approaches, such as through creation of differentiated markets, that enhance energy independence, market resilience, and security and provide transparency on gas attributes.

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We welcome the endorsement of the G7 Call to Action on Enhancing Energy Security by Australia, the Republic of Korea, and Ukraine.

From: Public Safety Canada

News release

October 30, 2025 – Ottawa, Ontario

Today, the Honourable Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada, the Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, and the Honourable Mandy Gull-Masty, Minister of Indigenous Services, reflect on a challenging wildfire year by thanking those who helped and continue to help protect Canadians.

2025 has been the second worst wildfire season in Canadian history, with more than 6,000 wildfires in nearly every province and territory, impacting communities across the country and burning over 8.3 million hectares. While the situation continues to improve, wildfires are still impacting parts of the country due to hot and dry weather.

Since April, the heightened risk and impacts have forced evacuations of more than 85,000 people, including over 45,000 people from 73 First Nations communities. These numbers represent the lived experiences of thousands of people, including families forced to leave their homes, communities rallying together, and responders working tirelessly to protect lives and property.

The impact of the wildfires is widespread requiring strong collaboration across all orders of government. Through partners like the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre (CIFFC), the federal government and provinces and territories have worked together to share firefighting resources and will continue to do so until communities are no longer under threat. Ministers are deeply grateful for the partnership of provincial and territorial colleagues, and extended their sincere thanks to first responders, the Canadian Armed Forces, humanitarian organizations, volunteers and emergency management officials who are working tirelessly to keep people safe and support evacuees this year.

This year’s wildfire response has been a collective effort. Firefighters, emergency responders, volunteers, local leaders, Indigenous fire stewards, and all orders of government worked together to protect communities. Federal departments and agencies, including the Canadian Armed Forces, the Canadian Coast Guard, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Health Canada, Indigenous Services Canada, Natural Resources Canada, Parks Canada, PrairiesCan, the Public Health Agency of Canada, and Public Safety Canada, played key roles on the ground and behind the scenes. Over 1,590 international firefighters came to help battle the wildfires and organizations like Canadian Red Cross, The Salvation Army, St. John Ambulance, Search and Rescue Volunteer Association of Canada (SARVAC) and Team Rubicon Canada, along with many others at the local level, providing critical support, including shelter, first aid, and mental health services.

Canadians across the country showed their generosity by donating to wildfire disaster relief through the Canadian Red Cross 2025 Wildfire Appeals in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Newfoundland and Labrador.

Even as the most active wildfire period has passed, some regions are still facing active fires. To those still affected, the Government of Canada remains fully committed to supporting these communities through these difficult times.

At the same time, many other regions have moved from response to recovery. Communities across the country are rebuilding and healing, showing strength and resilience in the face of adversity. The Government of Canada remains engaged in supporting these recovery efforts and in helping Canadians prepare for the heightened wildfire risks that lie ahead through the modernized Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements (DFAA) program.

The DFAA is a key federal program that helps provinces, territories, and municipalities rebuild. In recent years, disasters like wildfires, floods, and landslides have become more frequent and more costly. The DFAA ensures the federal government remains a strong and reliable partner in response and recovery. Through this program, the Government of Canada helps provinces and territories cover the extraordinary costs of rebuilding homes, restoring infrastructure, and implementing mitigation measures that strengthen long-term resilience. Launched in April 2025, the modernized DFAA expands federal support and focuses on helping communities not only recover but rebuild in ways that make them stronger and better prepared for future disasters.

The Government of Canada is also preparing for future wildfire seasons by making investments of over $800 million for wildfire initiatives to strengthen prevention and mitigation efforts across the country. Initiatives like the Wildfire Resilience Consortium of Canada (WRCC) and the Canadian Centre for Recovery and Resilience are advancing wildfire resilience by fostering collaboration, knowledge exchange, proactive recovery and planning, and adaptive wildfire management. The WRCC will also advance many of the actions in the Kananaskis Wildfire Charter, agreed to by the leaders of the G7 this spring in Canada and endorsed by the leaders of Australia, India, Mexico, the Republic of Korea and South Africa.

Quotes

“This year’s wildfires have impacted every part of the country and firefighting efforts are still ongoing in certain areas. Firefighters, emergency crews, volunteers, and local leaders have been working around the clock to keep people safe and support evacuees, and I want to thank them for everything they’ve done. As some communities remain focused on the immediate response, others have already started the work of rebuilding. Our government will be there on the long road to recovery — helping communities build back, prepare for the risks ahead, and draw on the strength Canadians have shown through these difficult times.”
- The Honourable Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada

“Many communities suffered the impacts of wildfires in 2025. I am grateful for the tireless dedication of our frontline workers and crews from partnering countries that protected Canadians this season and continue to aid in recovery efforts. The federal government is committed to protecting Canadians, building resilience, and reducing wildfire risks in the future.”
- The Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources

“This wildfire season has been especially devastating for First Nations across the country, with at least three out of every five people evacuated from First Nations communities. I’m deeply grateful to the evacuee support teams and those who fought the fires—community leaders, firefighters, Elders, and many others. I witnessed courage and resolve in the face of extraordinary conditions. My department and I are steadfast in our commitment to supporting First Nations during emergencies and recovery. We will keep working together—grounded in Indigenous knowledge—to protect lives, strengthen community resilience, and reduce the impact of future wildfires.”
- The Honourable Mandy Gull-Masty, Minister of Indigenous Services

“Wildfires have deeply affected communities across Canada this season, and the strength shown in response has been truly moving. Thank you to the people who rallied together on the ground and behind the scenes to protect one another and support recovery. Continued collaboration, strategic investments, and strong partnerships will remain central to supporting recovery and enhancing community preparedness for future wildfire risks.”
- Anthony Housefather, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience

Quick facts

• The Government Operations Centre coordinated emergency response nationally, 24/7, and supported 13 Requests for Federal Assistance (RFAs) from provinces and territories, including:

  • Manitoba: Five RFAs to support with evacuation efforts, including for Pimicikamak Cree Nation, Garden Hill First Nation and Mathias Colomb Cree Nation. Funded by the Humanitarian Workforce program, St. John Ambulance provided medical first responders and psychosocial support, and SARVAC helped set-up shelters and assisted evacuees. The Public Health Agency of Canada and Health Canada facilitated sending supplies from the National Emergency Strategic Stockpile to the province.

  • Ontario: One RFA to support the evacuation of Sandy Lake First Nation.

  • Saskatchewan: Two RFAs for wildfire suppression and personnel transport.

  • Newfoundland and Labrador: One RFA to support wildfire response. The Canadian Armed Forces and the Canadian Coast Guard provided incident management and evacuation support. Through funding under the Humanitarian Workforce program, Team Rubicon Canada provided incident management and rapid assessments, and SARVAC provided supports to evacuated communities. Supplies from the National Emergency Strategic Stockpile were also sent to the province.

  • Nova Scotia: Three RFAs for accommodations, logistics, refueling, and access to Canadian Armed Forces aircraft maintenance facilities.

  • Northwest Territories: One RFA to send supplies from the National Emergency Strategic Stockpile to the territory.

• To date, the Government of Canada has committed $188 million through the Humanitarian Workforce program to help organizations like the Canadian Red Cross, The Salvation Army, St. John Ambulance, SARVAC, and Team Rubicon Canada to develop and maintain capacity to respond quickly to emergency events and provide critical on-the-ground support to provincial, territorial and local governments.

• The Wildfire Resilience Consortium of Canada will bring together domestic and international governments, Indigenous fire stewards, communities impacted by wildfires, the private sector and individual experts to share knowledge, facilitate collaboration and accelerate the use of cutting-edge science and technology in wildfire prevention, mitigation, preparedness and response.

• The Canadian Centre for Recovery and Resilience helps communities, especially smaller or those less experienced in disaster recovery, plan for how to recover and rebuild in ways that reduce risks to future disasters like wildfires. It offers direct support, tools, and training to all levels of government.

Associated links

• Wildfires: Federal Response - Canada.ca

• Requests for Federal Assistance Process

• Detailed list of requests for federal assistance

• Government Operations Centre

• Humanitarian Workforce

• Kananaskis Wildfire Charter

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Paris Joint Political Declaration on Achieving Gender Equality, Promoting Human Rights of All Women and Girls and Strengthening a Feminist Approach to Foreign Policy under the auspices of the 4th Ministerial Conference on Feminist Foreign Policies in Paris, October 22 and 23 2025

From: Global Affairs Canada

Statement

October 28, 2025 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

Preamble

We, the undersigned Ministers and high representatives of governments, including Armenia, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Cyprus, Dominican Republic, Estonia, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Kosovo, Latvia, Liberia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Mexico, Moldova, the Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Portugal, Rwanda, Slovenia, Spain, Thailand, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Uruguay,

committed to taking feminist or gender-transformative approaches to our foreign policies through the adoption of Feminist Foreign Policies or, in other cases, by strengthening gender equality and women’s and girls’ rights,

have gathered at a critical moment at the 4th Ministerial Conference on Feminist Foreign Policies in Paris, France on 22 and 23 October 2025 to reaffirm our enduring commitment and to review progress made and challenges that remain to upholding gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls in all their diversity.

We stand in unity and solidarity as the world faces a growing number of protracted and multidimensional crises, and at a time when international law as well as agreed norms and standards on human rights, including women’s and girls’ rights, are being challenged.

While we acknowledge the hard-won gains made in the past fifty years, we express our deep concern at current levels of violence and discrimination against women and girls in all their diversity, which have gone unabated, ongoing attempts to roll back women’s and girls’ rights, and the persisting adverse impacts of gender inequality around the world.

Guiding principles

We reiterate our shared adherence to the rule of law and democratic principles, universality of human rights, respect for international law and multilateralism, which are interlinked and mutually reinforcing, and our firm belief that feminist-based approaches provide conditions for sustainable, resilient and inclusive societies and peace.

We reaffirm our resolute support for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and all the Sustainable Development Goals, which place gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls at their core, notably through SDG 5, and for the implementation of the Pact for the Future and its annexes.

We emphasize that our work is grounded in our commitment to respect, protect, promote and fulfil the human rights of all women and girls as necessary conditions for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and the fulfilment of international commitments, such as the UN Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), and the Optional Protocols thereto, as well as other relevant instruments for realizing gender equality.

We maintain our commitments made in 1995, when adopting the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and the outcome documents of their review conferences. While those commitments made 30 years ago enabled considerable progress, significant challenges remain and we recognize that we are still far from achieving SDG 5 and its indicators globally and nationally, only five years away from 2030.

We reaffirm the commitment made by 179 countries at the International Conference on Population and Development in 1994 to adopt a forward-looking Programme of Action, promising a profound impact on the lives of women and girls. In Cairo, we established a worldwide consensus on the vital link between population and sustainable development, and recognized the centrality of prioritizing sexual and reproductive health and rights, including bodily autonomy. Today, this is more relevant than ever.

As this year marks the 25th anniversary of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 and its subsequent resolutions, we reaffirm our commitment to integrate and implement the Women, Peace and Security agenda across our national and foreign policies; recall our firm belief that gender equality and the full, equal and meaningful participation of women in all their diversity in all stages of peace processes, conflict prevention, conflict resolution and peacebuilding is essential to the maintenance and promotion of international peace and security; reiterate our strong condemnation of all forms of gender-based violence, including conflict-related sexual violence, and urge all States to fight against the impunity of the perpetrators of such crimes.

We recall our commitment to achieving ambitious outcomes on gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Paris United Nations Agreement on Climate Change, the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, and our strong support of the principles of the Pact for Prosperity, People and the Planet (4P).

We commend and build on the efforts of previous Ministerial Conferences on Feminist Foreign Policies held in Germany (2022), the Netherlands (2023) and Mexico (2024).

Call to action

Against this background, we do solemnly declare in mutual friendship and respect, our commitment to work together to:

1. Respect, protect, promote, and fulfil the human rights of all women and girls, and to recognize the universality, indivisibility and interdependence of these rights, in line with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and relevant human rights treaties. We call upon all States to comply with their international obligations in this regard. We will continue to ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights of women and girls in all their diversity and throughout their life course, including the right to equality, life, health, food, nutrition, privacy, education, freedom of conscience, of opinion and expression and freedom from cruel treatment;

2. Combat gender-based violence as a national and international priority, recognizing that women and girls suffer from multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination. We stress the urgent need to address and eliminate all forms of gender-based violence and discrimination, including forms of criminalization or punishment of women and girls for making decisions regarding their own body, discrimination based on sexual orientation, and gender identity, as well as technology-facilitated gender-based violence, through an online and offline continuum;

3. Engage men and boys as agents of change and beneficiaries of gender equality. In this regard, we will strive to engage, educate, encourage and support men and boys to take responsibility for their behaviour, including their sexual and reproductive behaviour. Focussing on men and boys and on their respective masculinities is crucial to address the root causes of unequal power relations and structures, including gender inequalities such as the inequitable distribution of care work that negatively impacts the effective enjoyment of the rights of women, adolescents and girls

4. Support the key role of civil society actors and feminist organizations, including women human rights defenders in the defense, protection and promotion of human rights and fundamental freedoms and promote a supportive environment for those actors throughout the world: we strongly oppose legal and administrative measures that reduce civic space, especially for women’s and feminist organizations. We recognize the role of local authorities in strengthening actions at the local level to address gender disparities;

5. Defend the right of women and girls in all their diversity to make informed decisions about their lives and their bodies, and further protect and advance sexual and reproductive health and rights as essential to achieving gender equality, ensure comprehensive and timely access to comprehensive maternal health services including comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services for pregnancies and childbirths as well as safe abortion care, and prevent unintended pregnancy, including in adolescents;

6. Recognize the existence of diverse forms of families, that must be protected by States and respected by societies as a leverage for gender equality, and recognize that all children, for the full and harmonious development of their personality, should grow up in a family environment, in an atmosphere of happiness, love and understanding and that parents, legal caregivers, family members and other members of the household have the primary responsibility for the upbringing and development of the child;

7. Redouble actions to guarantee women’s and youth’s equal, full, effective and meaningful participation in all decision-making systems and in all spheres and levels of public, economic and political life, including through the strengthening of universal social protection systems, undertaking reforms to give women equal rights to economic resources, and ensuring decent working conditions, equal pay for equal work and work of equal value. Also, we emphasize the relevance of CEDAW General recommendation n°40, including in reference to the Women, Peace and Security agenda.

8. Design and promote, in our administrations and for our civil servants, a feminist culture that recognizes the rights of women, young women, and girls in all their diversity and is integrated into decision-making and diplomacy. We remain resolute to further coordinate our work and positions within the United Nations System, other relevant international fora and multilateral initiatives, regional organizations, as well as in our bilateral relationships. At this 4th Ministerial Conference for Feminist Foreign Policies, we are taking further steps to strengthen our engagement across multilateral systems to realize our targets to achieve gender equality and empowerment all women and girls (SDG 5) and achieve respect of these universal values, recognizing that individually we are strong, but together we are stronger.

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https://www.canada.ca/en/global-affairs/news/2025/10/paris-joint-political-declaration-on-achieving-gender-equality-promoting-human-rights-of-all-women-and-girls-and-strengthening-a-feminist-approach-.html