Carney promotes Arctic alliance with Norway amid Russia concerns

Prime Minister Mark Carney used a visit by Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre to Ottawa to highlight deeper cooperation on Arctic security and defence as tensions with Russia remain high. At a Sunday news conference, Støre said Norway sees real risks from hybrid activity and possible sabotage. Carney did not assess the warnings directly, but said stronger ties with Norway can improve intelligence sharing, coordination and shared capabilities. Carney said Canada should work with the right Arctic partners, pointing to submarine and space capacity as part of that effort. He also linked the Norway talks to Canada’s broader push to strengthen ties with Europe, including possible closer cooperation with the European Union. The two leaders discussed defence, critical minerals, energy and investment, including interest in Norway’s sovereign wealth fund. Carney has also recently advanced submarine cooperation involving a German company and Norwegian partners, and Canadian policy now calls for deeper Arctic ties with Nordic countries.