The Government of Canada is committed to strengthening its relationship with partner countries and expanding economic opportunities for Canada.
Today, the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Quebec Lieutenant, and the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced the successful negotiation of a General Security of Information Agreement (GSOIA) concerning industrial security and national defence with Poland.
The GSOIA was formally signed by Catherine Godin, Ambassador of Canada to Poland, and Colonel Rafał Syrysko, Head of Poland's Internal Security Agency (ABW), during a ceremony held in Warsaw, Poland. The signature was witnessed by the Honourable Stéphane Dion, the Prime Minister's Special Envoy to the European Union and Europe (and Canada's Ambassador to France and Monaco). Today's agreement with Poland follows the signing of a GSOIA with Ukraine on December 3, 2024.
GSOIAs contribute to strengthening bilateral relationships by permitting greater levels of military cooperation and interoperability, while ensuring that Canada maintains the highest standards of security to protect sensitive Government of Canada information entrusted to contractors and governments across the world.
The Canada-Poland relationship has a strong historical foundation that is rooted in the deep personal ties to Poland maintained by more than 1.1 million Polish Canadians. The signature of this GSOIA affirms Canada's commitment to supporting Poland as well as democracy and democratic institutions, while establishing a mutual understanding of how sensitive government information must be handled and protected between both countries.
The entry into force of the agreement is expected to unlock several multi-million-dollar transactions between Canada and Poland. A GSOIA allows security screened suppliers from both countries to access classified information or assets necessary to bid on sensitive procurements in the other country and to facilitate business opportunities for companies in industries such as defence, security, aerospace, marine, nuclear and space
GSOIAs for industrial security and defence contribute to the government's priorities by creating jobs as well as building and maintaining international relationships that will advance peace and economic prosperity.
