Today, the Honourable 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 continue their collective work of upholding the rules-based international order through open and honest discussion.
During this address, Minister Blair announced a new agreement to collaborate on research on emerging missile threat defence. Under this agreement, Defence Research and Development Canada and the Australian Defence Science and Technology Group will collaborate on research to understand emerging missile threats as well as develop detection, monitoring, targeting and counter-measure technologies. Through this collaboration, Canada and Australia will benefit from access to expertise, experience, unique facilities and cost-effective joint research trials, which will fast-track understanding of advanced missile technologies and inform next-generation defence solutions.
Minister Blair also highlighted Canada's commitment to investing in the tools and capabilities necessary to protect our interests and our sovereignty, as reflected in our updated defence policy, Our North, Strong and Free: A Renewed Vision for Canada's Defence (ONSAF). He noted the ongoing challenges to the rules-based international order, including Russia's illegal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine and China's increasingly assertive actions in the Indo-Pacific region. Minister Blair reiterated Canada's steadfast commitment to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), to increased partnership and engagement in the Indo-Pacific region, and to the modernization of the North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD).
During the Forum, the Minister participated in a plenary session - Era of Adventure: Protecting Our Arctic from Russia and China, where he discussed the importance of having the tools and capabilities necessary to protect Canada's interests and sovereignty in the region. He spoke about the strength of our alliances and partnerships as the greatest advantage against potential adversaries and how enhanced collaboration is needed, as climate change increases interest in our natural resources and access to new shipping lanes.
While at HISF, Minister Blair met with representatives from several of Canada's allies and partners to discuss how to work together to strengthen international security, in the face of shared challenges.
During the Forum, the Minister held bilateral meetings with:
- Montenegro's Minister of Defence, Dragan Krapović. Minister Bliar thanked Minister Krapović for Montenegro's contribution to the Canadian-led Multinational Brigade Latvia. The Ministers discussed the continuing transition to a combat-capable brigade.
- The bipartisan U.S. Congressional Delegation, led by Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Senator James Risch. The Minister and the Delegation discussed the unique defence relationship between Canada and the United States and spoke about the progress being made on NORAD modernization.
- Ukrainian Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada, Ruslan Stefanchuk. Minister Blair and Minister Joly reaffirmed Canada's steadfast support of Ukraine and highlighted the recent delivery of Canada's NASAMS donation to Ukraine. The ministers also discussed Ukraine's ongoing defence needs.
- Estonian Minister of Defence, Hanno Pevkur. Minister Blair reaffirmed Canada's commitment to security in the Baltics through a strong and united NATO alliance. The Minister also commended Estonia's staunch support to Ukraine, including its leadership of the IT Coalition, which Canada joined with a contribution of up to $2 million.
- The President of the Republic of Kosovo, Dr. Vjosa Osmani-Adriui. Minister Blair informed the President of Kosovo's successful admission to Canada's Military Training and Cooperation Program. They spoke about how this will allow Canada and Kosovo to work together more closely to increase mutual understanding and interoperability.
- Mongolia's Minister of Defence, Byambatsogt Sandag. Minister Blair highlighted Canada's commitment to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific and beyond. The Ministers also discussed their mutual commitment to maintaining a productive defence relationship.
