Ottawa – Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence welcomed Richard Marles, Deputy Prime Minister of Australia and Minister for Defence, to Vancouver, British Columbia for a bilateral visit. The Ministers discussed Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy and defence policy update, Our North, Strong and Free – and current and future efforts to strengthen the Canada-Australia defence relationship. Minister Blair and Deputy Prime Minister Marles were welcomed by the Guard of Honour, proceeded to a bilateral meeting, and then held a press conference in Vancouver.