Canada is strengthening its strategic ties with Nordic nations in a major push to bolster Arctic security, defence cooperation, and economic partnerships, as global tensions reshape alliances across the North Atlantic.
During a high-profile visit to Norway this week, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney met with Nordic leaders and defence partners to expand cooperation in areas ranging from military readiness to critical minerals and emerging technologies.
The trip, which included stops in Bardufoss and Oslo, marked Carney’s first visit to Norway since taking office and the first visit by a Canadian prime minister to the country in more than four decades.
One of the key moments of the visit came above the Arctic Circle, where Carney observed Exercise Cold Response, a large-scale NATO training operation designed to test allied forces in extreme winter conditions.
The exercise brings together troops from 14 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Canada, and several Nordic states. Military planners say the drills are meant to strengthen readiness and interoperability as Arctic security becomes increasingly important in global defence strategies.
Carney attended the exercise alongside Norway’s prime minister Jonas Gahr Støre and Germany’s chancellor Friedrich Merz.
The Arctic has emerged as a strategic priority for many countries as melting sea ice opens new shipping routes and access to vast natural resources, while geopolitical competition in the region intensifies.
In Oslo, Carney and Støre held bilateral talks and released a joint statement outlining plans to deepen cooperation between the two countries. The discussions focused on defence, Arctic governance, energy development, trade, and emerging technologies including artificial intelligence and space communications.
The leaders also reaffirmed their support for NATO and continued assistance to Ukraine amid ongoing security challenges in Europe.
Speaking during the visit, Carney emphasized the growing importance of Arctic cooperation between Canada and its Nordic partners.
“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.”
While in Norway, Carney also participated in the Canada-Nordic Summit, meeting with leaders from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. The talks focused on strengthening cooperation in trade, energy, technology, and defence.
Collectively, the five Nordic countries represent a combined economy worth about $2.8 trillion, making them increasingly important partners for Canada as it seeks to diversify trade relationships and expand its global economic reach.
Officials say closer cooperation could also help strengthen transatlantic security, particularly in the Arctic region where climate change and shifting geopolitical dynamics are reshaping strategic priorities.
Carney’s visit also included meetings with business leaders in Oslo aimed at attracting investment into Canada’s economy.
Norway is home to the world’s largest sovereign wealth fund, valued at more than $3.5 trillion, and Canadian officials are eager to position the country as a destination for international capital.
Recent developments suggest that economic ties between the two countries are already expanding. Canadian mining company Champion Iron recently announced plans to acquire Norwegian iron ore producer Rana Gruber ASA in a deal valued at approximately $400 million.
The agreement is seen as a sign of growing collaboration between Canadian and Nordic companies in the mining and critical minerals sector an industry that has become increasingly important as countries compete to secure supply chains for clean energy technologies and advanced manufacturing.
Defence cooperation is also expanding between Canada and Norway.
One recent example is a $9.6 million contract awarded to Kongsberg Vanguard LP, a joint venture involving Norwegian firms and a Canadian marine engineering company. The partnership will design future mid-shore multi-mission vessels for the Canadian Coast Guard under Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy.
Canadian officials say such collaborations are part of a broader effort to strengthen defence production and secure supply chains among NATO allies.
Ottawa has also launched a $6.6 billion Defence Industrial Strategy, aimed at accelerating the development of new capabilities for the Canadian Armed Forces and strengthening partnerships with allied countries.
Following the conclusion of his Norway visit, Carney is expected to travel to the United Kingdom where he will meet with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and hold an audience with Charles III.
Those discussions are expected to focus on further strengthening defence, trade, and economic ties between Canada and the United Kingdom.
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