Canada and Norway Sign Arctic Defense and Science Pacts

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney welcomed Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store to Ottawa on Sunday to strengthen bilateral ties and bolster deterrence in the Arctic. The meeting focused on national security in response to renewed threats from Russia, with Store warning that Norwegian intelligence has identified "real threats coming from hybrid activity, ranging all the way to potential sabotage."

The two leaders signed several agreements covering space-based capabilities, joint critical minerals mapping, and Arctic and Antarctic science and research. They also announced plans to advance a Defence Cooperation Agreement within the coming year. This diplomatic push follows a decision by Carney in July to partner with Norway and a German company to procure a dozen submarines.

Both leaders emphasized their shared positions as strong proponents of NATO and low-risk oil producers. They focused on deepening intelligence sharing and building joint capacities to ensure stability in the High North.