Today, the Honourable David McGuinty, Minister of National Defence, concluded his visit to Halifax, where he co-hosted the 17th annual Halifax International Security Forum (HISF) with HFX President Peter Van Praagh.
On November 21, Minister McGuinty welcomed delegates to HISF with opening remarks outlining the challenges facing the global order-from authoritarianism to disinformation. He highlighted the need for democratic nations to work together to meet these challenges, emphasizing Canada's role in contributing its share. He also discussed the importance of dialogue and cooperation in addressing the world's security challenges.
While at HISF, the Minister participated in a plenary session Democracies Deliver Dollars, where he spoke about the importance of investing in defence to ensure a secure economy. During the panel, the Minister reiterated the Government's historic investment in defence this fiscal year. These investments are crucial in light of the ongoing challenges, including Russia's illegal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine and China's increasingly assertive actions in the Indo-Pacific region. Minister McGuinty also discussed the significance of investing in innovation, to support the defence industrial base and strengthen the economy.
During HISF, Minister McGuinty and his Latvian counterpart, Andris Sprūds, signed a Defence Cooperation Agreement to formalize the bilateral relationship between the two countries beyond participation through NATO's Multinational Brigade Latvia. With this arrangement, both countries will expand their cooperation through bilateral and multilateral training, military education, defence research and development, mutual logistics support, and coordinated support to Ukraine. This arrangement demonstrates Canada's commitment to deepening cooperation and strengthening strategic ties with a close Ally in a time of heightened threats.
Minister McGuinty also met with representatives from several of Canada's allies and partners to discuss cooperation to strengthen international security amid shared global challenges.
The Minister held bilateral meetings with:
- Colombia's Minister of Defence, Pedro Arnulfo Sánchez Suárez. They discussed the growing defence relationship between Canada and Colombia-focused on peacebuilding, security cooperation and regional stability. Canada and Columbia collaborate through international partnerships like the Organization of American States and the United Nations.
- The bipartisan U.S. Congressional Delegation led by Senator Jeanne Shaheen. The Minister and the Delegation discussed the unique defence relationship between Canada and the United States and spoke about Canada's commitment to NORAD and its contributions to continental defence, as well as highlighted Canada's increased defence spending.
- Latvia's Minister of Defence, Andris Sprūds. The ministers signed the Canada-Latvia Defence Cooperation Agreement and discussed deeper collaboration between both nations. Minister McGuinty also reiterated Canada's commitment to leading the NATO Multinational Brigade Latvia for the next three years.
- Netherlands Minister of National Defence, Ruban Brekelmans. The ministers discussed their countries' long-standing military relations, rooted in a shared NATO commitment and strong historical ties. They also examined opportunities related to procurement, supply chain resilience and emerging technologies.
- Estonian Minister of Defence, Hanno Pevkur. The ministers discussed their successful partnership in cybersecurity and opportunities for deeper cooperation in defence procurement. Minister McGuinty highlighted Canada's commitment to Baltic defence and continued active membership in NATO.
- The European Commissioner for Defence and Space, Andrius Kubilius. They discussed progress in implementing the June 2025 Canada and European Union (EU) Security and Defence Partnership, including the EU's Security Action for Europe program, engagement through Readiness 2030, and opportunities for defence industry collaboration.
