Carney Strengthens Nordic Cooperation on Arctic Security and Defence
Arctic security cooperation expands between Canada and Nordic allies
OSLO, NORWAY — Prime Minister Mark Carney has reinforced Canada’s strategic partnerships with Nordic countries following a high-level visit to Norway focused on Arctic security, defence cooperation, and economic growth.
The visit, which included stops in Bardufoss and Oslo, comes as Canada looks to strengthen its sovereignty in the North while responding to rising geopolitical tensions and global uncertainty.
Arctic Security and NATO Readiness
In Bardufoss, Prime Minister Carney observed Exercise Cold Response, a major NATO-led military exercise held above the Arctic Circle. The operation brings together troops from 14 allied nations to enhance readiness, interoperability, and defence capabilities in extreme winter conditions.
Carney was joined by Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz, underscoring the importance of coordinated defence efforts among NATO allies in the Arctic region.
The Prime Minister emphasized that Arctic and northern security remain central to Canada’s national interests, particularly as global attention on the region intensifies.
Strengthening Canada-Norway Partnership
During meetings in Oslo, Prime Minister Carney and Prime Minister Støre issued a joint statement outlining expanded cooperation between Canada and Norway.
The agreement includes enhanced collaboration in defence, Arctic security, energy, critical minerals, trade, and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and space communications.
The two countries also reaffirmed their shared commitment to NATO and continued support for Ukraine.
Friends. Allies. Partners.
🇳🇴🇨🇦🇮🇸🇸🇪🇫🇮🇩🇰 pic.twitter.com/liGEPEG48s— Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) March 15, 2026
Canada-Nordic Summit Expands Regional Ties
Prime Minister Carney also attended the Canada-Nordic Summit, meeting with leaders from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden.
In a joint statement, leaders committed to strengthening cooperation across defence, trade, technology, and energy sectors, with a particular focus on transatlantic security in the Arctic and High North.
Economic and Investment Opportunities
Beyond security, the visit highlighted growing economic ties between Canada and Nordic countries.
Norway, home to the world’s largest sovereign wealth fund valued at over $3.5 trillion, represents a key partner as Canada seeks to attract international investment and diversify its trade relationships.
During his visit, Prime Minister Carney met with business leaders to promote Canada as a destination for global capital. He highlighted recent developments, including Canadian company Champion Iron’s proposed $400 million acquisition of Norway’s Rana Gruber ASA, a major producer of high-grade iron ore.
Defence Industrial Strategy and Future Collaboration
The Prime Minister also underscored Canada’s broader efforts to strengthen its defence industrial base through a $6.6 billion Defence Industrial Strategy.
This includes the creation of a Defence Investment Agency and plans for a proposed Defence, Security and Resilience Bank, aimed at scaling defence production and strengthening allied supply chains.
Canada’s recent participation in the European Union’s Security Action for Europe (SAFE) initiative further signals its commitment to enhancing defence readiness alongside European partners.
A Strategic Shift in Global Partnerships
Prime Minister Carney described the Arctic and High North as central to Canada’s national identity and strategic autonomy.
“The Arctic and the High North are central to Canada’s national identity and strategic autonomy,” Carney said. “Canada is intensifying our cooperation with trusted Nordic partners to bolster Arctic and transatlantic security, build economic strength at home, and catalyse massive opportunities for Canadian businesses and workers.”
Looking Ahead
Following his visit to Norway, Prime Minister Carney is scheduled to travel to the United Kingdom to continue discussions on strengthening defence, trade, and economic partnerships.
The Norway visit marks Canada’s first prime ministerial trip to the country since 1980 and signals a renewed focus on Arctic cooperation and transatlantic alliances in an increasingly complex global environment.
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