Ottawa – The Arctic is experiencing major change. The shifting geopolitical landscape, evolving security threats and acceleration of climate change are impacting the Arctic in unique ways and highlight the need for strong Canadian leadership to respond to the changing reality in the region. Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced the launch of Canada’s Arctic Foreign Policy (AFP). The …
Minister Blair concludes 16th Halifax International Security Forum
Nova Scotia – Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, concluded his visit to Halifax, where he hosted the 16th annual Halifax International Security Forum (HFX) with HFX President Mr. Peter Van Praagh. On November 22, Minister Blair welcomed delegates to HISF with opening remarks that recognized the challenges of the current global threat environment and called on allies and partners to …
Canada-Australia Partner on Emerging Missile Defence Research
Halifax – Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence of Canada, and Richard Marles, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence of Australia, released a joint statement on a new agreement to collaborate on research on emerging missile threat defence. “As potential adversaries continue to develop more advanced missiles, including advanced cruise missiles and hypersonic weapons that combine high speed, increasing range, and …
Canada’s donation of new air defence system arrives in Ukraine
Halifax – Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, has announced that Canada’s donation of a National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) has arrived in Ukraine. This donation will help Ukraine strengthen its air defence systems against destructive air attacks on military sites, civilian critical infrastructure, and population centres. Canada has also donated more than 300 air defence missiles from Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) inventory since February 2022. …
Minister Joly and Minister Blair meet with Korean counterparts
Ottawa – Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, met today in Ottawa with their Republic of Korea counterparts, Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Tae-yul and Minister of National Defence Kim Yong-hyun for the inaugural Canada-ROK Foreign and Defence Ministerial Meeting. Through new announcements and initiatives, Canada and the Republic of Korea will deepen …
Canada’s Community Support for Sexual Misconduct Survivors Grant Program
Ottawa – The Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre (SMSRC) is committed to improving access to support services for individuals affected by sexual misconduct within the Defence community. The SMSRC launched its 2024-25 call for applications for the Community Support for Sexual Misconduct Survivors Grant Program. This initiative aims to broaden the availability of support services and strengthen collaboration between community-based organizations …
Minister Blair concludes successful visit to Europe
Naples – Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, concluded a successful visit to Europe where he participated in a meeting of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Defence Ministers as well as the first-ever G7 Defence Ministers’ Meeting (DMM). During the NATO DMM meeting from October 17 to 18, hosted by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Minister Blair announced a commitment of …
Bill Blair to travel to Europe for Nato, G7 Defence Ministers’ Meet
Ottawa – Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, will travel to Europe from October 17-20 to meet with Allies and partners to discuss issues of shared interest and ways to strengthen defence relationships. From October 17-18, Minister Blair will attend the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Defence Ministers’ Meeting (DMM) in Brussels, Belgium. This meeting will be an important opportunity for Allies to …
NATO DIANA officially opens North American headquarters in Halifax
Halifax, Nova Scotia – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces Today, the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, accompanied by Marie-France Lalonde, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence, on behalf of the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, and the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Public Services and Procurement Canada, with NATO Defence Innovation …
Canada announces progress on Canadian Patrol Submarine procurement
Gatineau – Through Canada’s defence policy, Our North, Strong and Free, the Government of Canada is providing members of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) with the equipment they need to keep Canadians safe and maintain current and future operational readiness. Canada has the largest coastline in the world, and it is essential that the RCN be equipped with superior underwater surveillance capability to …