OTTAWA, ON, March 9, 2026 — Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to travel to Bardufoss and Oslo, Norway, from March 13 to 15, 2026. This trip aims to reinforce Canada’s presence in the Arctic and strengthen partnerships in defense and security amid evolving geopolitical dynamics.

In Bardufoss, Carney will observe the Norwegian-led NATO Exercise Cold Response, which assembles around 25,000 troops from 14 Allied nations to enhance operational readiness in Arctic conditions. This exercise underlines NATO's commitment to defend its northern flank, particularly with the involvement of new members Sweden and Finland.

Following the exercise, Carney will meet with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre to discuss a range of topics including trade, investment, clean energy, and aerospace. He will also participate in the Canada-Nordic Summit, where he aims to deepen collaboration with Nordic partners on defense strategies and transatlantic security.

After Norway, the Prime Minister will head to London, UK, to confer with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer on collective defense, shifting global economic landscapes, and the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.

During this visit, Carney emphasized Canada’s identity as an Arctic nation. He stated that “In the face of new threats, we are deepening defense collaboration with our Arctic partners to ensure a stronger and more prosperous environment for all.”

This marks Carney's first trip to Norway since he took office, highlighting Canada’s commitment to enhancing its defense capabilities and establishing itself as an attractive destination for global investment, particularly in defense, critical minerals, and artificial intelligence sectors.