Canada in Scandinavia Livethread (Saab, Roshel, Finland)
Hello everyone! Welcome to the 19th update on the Canadian delegation in Scandinavia. Consider this the comprehensive place for everything this week, gathered into one section. I wanna do more of these Live Update threads if available. I think theyre fun.
I will stil be posting normal Press Releases but to keep things comprehensive I'll be posting everything here as well!
Anyways, we got some stuff already. So let's dive in!
Minister Joly and Secretary Fuhr meet with Swedish counterparts, visit Saab.
On Monday Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions Mélanie Joly and Secretary of State (Defence Procurement) Stephen Fuhr meet with their Swedish counterparts in Stockholm.
They met with Minister of Defence Pål Jonson and Deputy Prime Minister Ebba Busch. There the two parties discussed a number of issues including Ukraine and strategic areas of interest such as aerospace, defence, shipbuilding, biomanufacturing, automotive, mining and telecommunications.
The two parties agreed to work towards creating a new Strategic Partnership involving both security and economies and will remain in touch.
The two also visited Saab where a number of issues we're reportedly discussed. Joly highlighted Saabs ongoing work with the Royal Canadian Navy although I have yet to hear what else was discussed.
Roshel and Swebor sign new agreement to produce Ballistic Steel in Canada
Roshel and Swedish Steel Producer Swebor have signed a new partnership that will see Ballistic-Grade Steel maufactured in Canada. This agreement was signed on Monday with Minister Joly in attendance.
Initial production will take place at Roshels facilities in Brampton and Missisauga, with a future location to be designated for production as part of a second phase to the project.
“This project goes beyond steel – it is about establishing industrial sovereignty. By bringing ballistic steel production to Canada, we are reducing a critical dependency, protecting our supply chain, and laying the groundwork for long-term resilience in the defence and manufacturing sectors,"
Roman Shimonov
Produced with Canadian-mined ore, The new facilities will produce different types of ballistic-grade steel, with varying thicknesses, hardness levels, resistance properties and specialized alloys. They will cater to both domestic and international markets, and supply industries such as agriculture and mining, in addition to defence.
This has been a major want for Roshel for a very long time. It has long been one of the missing pieces of their production to have their own domestic steel capability.
This partnership will complete the chain that Roshel touts from design to finished product, allowing them to produce vehicles almost entirely domestically. This is on top of Fords soon to be expanded Super Duty production in Missisauga, which will give the company a ready source of chassis for the Senator family available literally twenty minutes away.
Roshel has been working on this for a very long time, so huge congrats to them here for this one! More sources of Ballistic-Grade Steel is a good thing to have, especially when current domestic supply is limited to a few people like Algoma.
Further more I'm happy to see that the focus here isnt just on Roshels demand, and there are active plans to use this capacity to the fullest. Oftentimes, with things like these, you see the primary focus be on the primary company of supply, with little care for getting product to market.
That isnt the case here, so count Noah as very happy to see this, not just because I know folks at Roshel have been trying for years to get this done, but also for ready access from a new supplier.
Congrats Roman!
Canada and Finland joint statement on foreign and security policy strategic partnership
August 19, 2025 - Helsinki, Finland - Global Affairs Canada
Canada and Finland today issued the following statement:
“Recognizing their long history of friendship, like-mindedness, and close bilateral cooperation, Canada and Finland are establishing a foreign and security policy strategic partnership that reflects their mutual priorities and the evolving geopolitical landscape.
“This deepening partnership between Canada and Finland is anchored in common democratic values, shared interests in the North Atlantic and the Arctic regions, and a firm commitment to transatlantic security, the rules-based international order, multilateral cooperation, international law, democracy, human rights, climate goals, and open and free trade.
“Building on the momentum of the 2022 Joint Statement on Bilateral Cooperation and on Canada’s commitment in its 2024 Arctic Foreign Policy to enhance cooperation with Finland as a close Nordic ally, Canada and Finland are advancing their collaboration in foreign and security policy. In response to the shifting geopolitical, security, and economic environment, both countries are enhancing their foreign and security policy dialogue at both political and working levels, with regular consultations and high-level engagement remaining central to this effort.
“Canada and Finland, as close NATO Allies, are firmly committed to deepening cooperation within the Alliance. Strengthening NATO’s collective deterrence and defence remains a shared and unwavering priority. Canada’s ongoing leadership in NATO’s Enhanced Forward Presence in Latvia plays a vital role in promoting a safer and more secure Baltic Sea Region.
“Finland and Canada remain committed to ensuring Arctic and Northern perspectives are considered in NATO activities, where relevant. Both countries are also advancing dialogue within the Arctic Seven (A7), viewing it as a valuable platform for promoting these priorities within NATO. Canada and Finland are also working together to strengthen NATO’s approach to security and operations by advancing cross-cutting priorities, including Women, Peace and Security and climate security.
“To better address shared security challenges, Canada and Finland will intensify bilateral cooperation and dialogue across the full spectrum of security and defence issues. This includes a strong focus on comprehensive security, Arctic security; maritime security, particularly addressing risks posed by Russia’s shadow fleet; hybrid threats; and cyber challenges. Both countries are committed to building a shared understanding of common threats and to working closely together to address evolving security challenges in a coordinated and forward-looking manner.
“The Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA) and the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between Canada and the European Union and its Member States, as well as the Security and Defence Partnership between the European Union and Canada, provide an important and robust framework that underpins and enhances the bilateral relationship between Canada and Finland.
“Finland and Canada recognize that the transatlantic relationship is a cornerstone of their collective security and reaffirm their commitment to deepening collaboration in order to further strengthen this vital bond. Both countries continue to promote closer relations and enhanced cooperation between the European Union and Canada, with Canada recognized as a steadfast and strategic partner for the European Union. Canada and Finland are prioritizing the effective implementation of key joint initiatives, including the Security and Defence Partnership, the European Union–Canada Green Alliance, the European Union–Canada Economic Security Dialogue, the Canada–European Union Strategic Partnership on Raw Materials, and the European Union–Canada Digital Partnership.
“Canada and Finland are committed to fully leveraging the potential of CETA. Both countries also commit to raising awareness of the positive impacts and opportunities that CETA continues to deliver for both countries, while also highlighting its potential to further deepen bilateral economic relations.
“Canada and Finland strongly condemn Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine, which constitutes a serious violation of international law, including the UN Charter. Both countries reaffirm their unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity and are committed to deepening cooperation in support to Ukraine. Both countries emphasize the importance of sustained and close cooperation between the European Union and Canada, including through the G7 framework, on sanctions policy, including the sharing of expertise, implementation, and efforts to counter sanctions evasion and circumvention.
“Canada and Finland are committed to ensuring comprehensive, long-term international support for Ukraine’s reconstruction. Both countries actively support Ukraine’s urgent efforts to replace damaged energy infrastructure and its longer-term reconstruction of the energy sector, including to promote safe, secure nuclear operations in Ukraine through the International Atomic Energy Agency. Finland continues to support and participate in the international coalition led by Canada and Ukraine for the Return of Ukrainian Children. Canada and Finland also remain committed to close cooperation in the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe.
“Canada and Finland are actively intensifying their cooperation and exchange of information on the G7 agenda, reflecting their strong alignment on key priorities. Both countries are committed to building on this alignment to advance shared goals. Canada and Finland underscore the importance of the Shadow Fleet Task Force and commit to working together to enhance monitoring and detection and to otherwise constrain the use of shadow fleets engaged in illegal, unsafe, or environmentally perilous activities, building on and reinforcing the efforts of others active in this area.
“Building on their strong expertise, shared interests, deep connections, and long-standing cooperation on Arctic issues, Canada and Finland reaffirm their commitment to a peaceful, prosperous, and stable Arctic. Both countries will actively work to maintain and enhance situational awareness to strengthen Arctic security.
“Canada and Finland are firmly committed to the concrete implementation of the Icebreaker Collaboration Effort (ICE Pact) announced in July 2024 and are actively working together with the United States on the production of Arctic and polar icebreakers and other related capabilities. This trilateral initiative is a shared priority and landmark effort aimed at advancing Arctic and polar icebreaker development by combining collective knowledge, resources, and expertise. It also deepens our long-standing maritime industrial cooperation and contributes to bolstering Arctic security in the long term.
“Canada, as highlighted in its 2024 Arctic Foreign Policy, and Finland continue to underscore the central role of the Arctic Council as the pre-eminent forum for Arctic governance and cooperation on issues of sustainable development and environmental protection. Additionally, both countries remain firmly committed to advancing the rights and well-being of Arctic Indigenous Peoples and northern communities and are actively working to ensure that Arctic voices and perspectives are reflected in all relevant regional and international efforts.
“Canada and Finland are deeply concerned over the dramatic impact that climate change continues to have on the Arctic and beyond. Both countries are actively collaborating on climate and environmental initiatives to better understand, mitigate, and adapt to the implications of a rapidly changing Arctic and North. Recognizing the significance of our countries’ respective commitments to net-zero and carbon neutrality, and given pressing energy security challenges, Canada and Finland affirm their shared interest in improved trade and investment in clean technologies.
“Canada and Finland reaffirm their strong and ongoing commitment to upholding the international rules-based order with the UN Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights at its core. Both countries are actively exploring opportunities for joint action to strengthen democracy and the rule of law, and are working jointly in international fora, including related to the UN Security Council and the UN Human Rights Council, to address threats to international security and human rights. Finland continues to support Canada's Initiative Against Arbitrary Detention in State-to-State Relations, reinforcing their shared dedication to advancing international justice and accountability.
“Canada and Finland are elevating economic security as a key area of bilateral cooperation and will integrate it as a new focus area in their ongoing bilateral dialogues. Both countries remain firmly committed to upholding and strengthening the rules-based multilateral trading system, with the World Trade Organization (WTO) at its core. Canada and Finland are actively working to facilitate trade and investment between their economies and intend to continue to work together to advance meaningful WTO reform.
“Canada and Finland continue to strengthen their bilateral trade and investment relationship, which has seen positive momentum under CETA. Both countries are committed to expanding collaboration in strategic sectors of mutual interest, including forestry and the bioeconomy, the maritime industry, sustainable mining, critical minerals and clean fuels, and advanced technologies such as AI for defence and dual-use applications. Building on successful past cooperation, Finland will further strengthen its economic cooperation with Canadian provinces and territories by developing new partnerships.
“To capitalize on the strong interest in science and research institutions in both countries, Canada and Finland will intensify cooperation in science and research diplomacy, including responsible science and Arctic science and research. Both countries will work together to advance funding opportunities, including through NordForsk and Horizon Europe funding programmes.
“Canada and Finland continue to emphasize the importance of people-to-people contacts as a foundation of their bilateral relationship. In this spirit, both countries are actively promoting the implementation of the Youth Mobility Agreement between Canada and Finland, which entered into force in March 2024. This agreement serves as a key mechanism for enhancing exchanges between Finnish and Canadian citizens.
“Canada and Finland are committed to elevating their bilateral relationship to a more ambitious and strategic level. Both countries are actively implementing concrete initiatives to support the implementation of this Strategic Partnership. Guided by a shared vision, Canada and Finland intend to expand the scope of this partnership to include a broader range of cooperative activities in the future.”
Anita in Finland
While Joly and Fuhr are in Finland, Anita Anand has been touring around Finalnd. She was on site today for the Arctic 5 meeting with the respective Foreign Ministers of the Nordic countries. She also met with Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Ville Tavio and Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen personally.
Anita also stopped by Davies Helsinki Shipyard today, where everyone will be tomorrow for the Steel Cutting ceremony for CCGS Imnaryuaq.
As part of the Arctic 5, Anita also released a joint statement in Ukraine with her Nordic counterparts:
“We, the Foreign Ministers of the five Nordic countries and Canada, meeting in Nuuksio, Finland, on 19 August 2025, welcome the joint efforts by the United States, Ukraine and Europe to stop the killing, to end Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine, and to achieve just and lasting peace.
“We welcome the stated commitment by the United States to provide, together with Europe and Canada, security guarantees for Ukraine. The Nordic countries and Canada are ready to play an active role in combining the efforts of the Coalition of the Willing with those of the United States to ensure the strength and credibility of these security guarantees. There must be no limitations on Ukraine’s armed forces or on its cooperation with third countries.
“We underscore that peace in Ukraine cannot be negotiated without Ukraine’s participation. The Nordic countries and Canada support the work towards a cessation of hostilities, and direct negotiations between the Presidents of Ukraine and Russia.
“Respecting Ukraine’s sovereignty is of vital importance. Russia does not have a veto against Ukraine’s pathway to the EU and NATO. Only Ukraine can make decisions concerning its territory. We reaffirm the principle that international borders must not be changed by force.
“We will continue our strong support to Ukraine. Our support will be based on Ukraine’s needs and our strengths and capabilities. Ukraine’s security is integral to European, Euro-Atlantic and global security. Substantial and well-coordinated military aid to Ukraine remains a strategic priority. We will continue our comprehensive support to the Ukrainian society and the reconstruction of Ukraine.
“Thousands of Ukrainian children have been forcibly transferred and unlawfully deported by Russia since the beginning of the full-scale invasion in February 2022. We call for their immediate return.
“For as long as Russia continues its war of aggression against Ukraine, we – together with partners and allies – will continue to maintain and increase pressure on Russia’s war economy. We will uphold existing restrictive measures, impose further sanctions, and focus on their effective implementation. Russia poses a long-term threat to European security.
“As Ukraine will soon celebrate its 34th Independence Day on 24 August 2025, we, the Foreign Ministers of the Nordic countries and Canada, reaffirm our unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity.”
Who has Anita Anand met today?
As part of her trip Minister Anand took part in todays Nordic 5 discussions in Nuuksio, Finland with her respective counterparts where issues such as the Arctic, Ukraine and collective security we're discussed.
Minister Anand also held bilateral meeting with her counterparts including:
President of Finland Alexander Stubb
Swedish Minister of Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard
Finnish Minister of Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen
Danish Minister of Foreign Affairs Lars Løkke Rasmussen
Foreign Minister Valtonen and Canadian Foreign Minister Anand launch a joint statement on the Strategic Partnership Between Finland and Canada
On August 19, Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen met with Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand during her visit to Finland.
The foreign ministers launched the strategic partnership between Finland and Canada in foreign and security policy during their meeting.
The strategic partnership between the ministries of foreign affairs is an important part of the broader advancement of relations between Finland and Canada. The partnership encompasses cooperation across various sectors of foreign and security policy, including global and multilateral issues, economic and trade relations, and security.
"As an ally, an Arctic nation, and a G7 member, Canada is a valuable partner for Finland. With Finland's NATO membership, the relations between Finland and Canada have become closer. This strategic partnership now gives us the opportunity to further deepen our cooperation based on shared interests and values,"
Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen.
During their bilateral meeting, the ministers also discussed icebreaker cooperation and current foreign policy issues, such as Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and support for Ukraine.
Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand also participated in the Nordic foreign and security policy cooperation meeting held in Espoo on August 19
Stephen Fuhr comments on Swedish trip
Stephen Fuhr, Secretary of State (Defence Procurement) released this statement on his current trip to Sweden:
Over the past few days, Mélanie Joly and I had the chance to visit Sweden and advance our partnership on key priorities related to defence, economic resilience, and industrial innovation.
We began our visit by meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Ebba Busch and Minister of Defence Pål Jonson, exploring how our governments can create opportunities for our industry to deliver more good-paying jobs with industrial collaboration and trade initiatives.
We also visited the headquarters of Saab, seeing how their defence and aerospace systems strengthen Canada's maritime capabilities, including radar and fire control upgrades on Halifax-class frigates, and support our operational readiness.
Finally, in Stockholm, we met with senior executives from leading Swedish firms to discuss trade diversification, economic resilience, and further opportunities for partnerships.
Embodying the opportunities that come from working with like-minded allies, Roshel Smart Armored Vehicles and Swebor announced today that they will begin producing ballistic-grade steel in Canada, using Canadian steel to build Canadian armoured vehicles.
By working closely with partners like Sweden, Canada can continue building a safer, more resilient, and prosperous future.
Joint statement: Toward a strategic partnership between Canada and Sweden
The governments of Canada and Sweden have released this readout regarding the last two days of discussions:
Today, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Canada’s Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, and the Honourable Stephen Fuhr, Canada’s Secretary of State (Defence Procurement), together with Ebba Busch, Sweden’s Minister for Energy, Business and Industry and Deputy Prime Minister, and Pål Jonson, Sweden’s Minister for Defence, released the following statement:
“Canada and Sweden share a close relationship, with extensive cooperation based on common values and mutual interests. Canada was the first country to ratify Sweden’s accession to NATO. Since then, both countries have increased their cooperation for a stable and prosperous Arctic, including through establishing an Arctic security dialogue. As NATO allies, we stand united in defending our freedom, territories, values and interests. Further strengthening our partnership is more critical than ever as we confront shared global challenges, including Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine and the heightened competition in the Arctic.
“Our close relationship also embodies shared values: economic value for our citizens and strengthened resilience for our countries, drawing on the complementarity of our strengths and resources. Canada and Sweden are committed to deepening and broadening our bilateral engagement to tackle shared challenges through working toward the establishment of a strategic partnership.
“Today, we agreed to accelerate efforts to strengthen relations between our two countries. This will include focusing on key policy areas such as the defence industry, particularly in aerospace; digital innovation and artificial intelligence; and nuclear, critical minerals and clean energy technologies and their supply chains.
Defence and security cooperation
Both Canada and Sweden are rapidly ramping up defence investments in response to evolving geopolitical dynamics. There is value in closer industrial cooperation as we strengthen our defence forces, including exploring joint research and development, interoperability initiatives, and opportunities for Canadian and Swedish defence firms to collaborate on advanced technologies.
Space cooperation
Canada and Sweden recognize the growing importance of space for security, science and economic development and will explore opportunities for collaboration through research partnerships that leverage our respective expertise in space innovation and Arctic observation.
Digital innovation and emerging technologies
Digital transformation, while not without challenges, offers new opportunities for collaboration, secure and trusted digital infrastructure, and responsible technological development. Canada and Sweden will work together on emerging technologies, including on efforts to promote cybersecurity resilience, ensure secure and trusted connectivity, and foster innovation in artificial intelligence and quantum technologies.
Critical minerals and clean energy supply chains
Secure access to critical raw materials, clean energy and the development of sustainable supply chains are essential to both clean technology and defence industries. Canada and Sweden are exploring ways to collaborate on responsible mining, innovation in materials processing, nuclear energy production and its supply chains, and the creation of resilient industrial ecosystems that align with environmental and social standards.
Pharmaceutical and life sciences collaboration
Canada and Sweden share a commitment to advancing health innovation and strengthening global health security. Both countries will seek opportunities for joint collaboration.
“At the heart of our ambition lies a common interest in promoting free trade, competitiveness, innovation and a green transition. By strengthening economic ties and encouraging open markets, Canada and Sweden aim to support sustainable growth and foster dynamic industries.
“This work will reflect rich and deepening ties between the people, governments, institutions and businesses of Canada and Sweden. It is our shared belief that cooperation between like-minded partners is not only desirable but also essential in addressing the complex challenges of our time.”
There isnt anything here that would necessarily surprise anyone. However there are several key things in this statement I do wanna highlight. We obviously didnt expect any sort of true agreements out the bat, however meetings like this are a glance into what each party prioritizes and what the government might be looking like.
While defence is obviously at the very top, given this was a defence-focused trip, I find the inclusion of Space to be of peculiar intetest. Canada has been slowly attempting to rebuilds its soverign space capacity, including through new launch sites, like NordSpace and Maritime Launch but also through the funding of service providers like Telesat.
Telesat is set to launch the first satellites in its Lightspeed constellation next year and has already inked deals with European partners with Orange in France and Space Norway.
Telesat Lightspeed will provide a High Throughput, Low Latency, Canadian controlled LEO network tailored for Arctic and Northern connectivity. It will provide Canada a domestic, secure orbital network tailored to her needs, and in turn the needs of our Northern partners.
Leveraging these new assets, new domestic launch capabilities, and new expertise from companies like MDA, Nordspace, and Reaction Dynamics gives Canada a new avenue of relationshio building with allies and the access to space that many of our allies are critically short on.
This also comes as Sweden works to expand its own launch capabilities at Esrange Space Center, an excellent opportunity to learn from each other as we both work to build this critical capacity.
Many know I am high on space, so when I see it I tend to get very excited. It is wonderful to see it take such a high position on current discussions. There is always room to grow in auch a critical sector, and always more that can be done together, leveraging Canada's existing status in the ESA also gives us an inroads to further partnerships with European partners.
Of course I don't want to ignore the defence stuff. A lot of reads like the Early Korean stuff from a few yeats ago, if you were here for that. Both Canada and Sweden are looking at new capabilities to be developed domestically including in areas like radar technology, Arctic surveillance, and unmanned systems.
These are areas that Canada and Sweden, in some cases, already have a relationship in. Both the Halifax-class and Joint Support Ships use Saabs Sea Giraffe radar and its very likely that the future Continental Defence Corvette might use it as well.
Similarly, as Canada is looking to improve its Ground-Based Air Defence anf Sensor capabilities Saab is positioned to offer several potential solutions, including the Giraffe family, ARTHUR, and Sirius systems.
Integration is another interesting area. Further cooperation on systems like the RBS70NG and Carl Gustav feel like easy, natural fits to me. Similar to continuing to foster business cooperation between Canadian and Swedish companies.
I await to see how the Korean roadshow goes in October. That could be a good showing to how valuable these kinds of events could be, and a potential future baseline for fostering and creating these kinds of relationships by setting the stage for companies to network.
To the other points listed, all are fairly expected. We don't get a lot out of them. Digital and Cyber partnerships are not my forte, but they are very important to this government, especially when it comes to things like AI, so I expect we will see more there.
I am also happy to see Nuclear mentioned. As always I believe nuclear export is one of our key cards we hold when it comes to soft power. Canada has the expertise, the resources and the supply chains to help others build up their own industries.
Its a very easy, very economically beneficial card to play when discussing trade, especially as part of a broader transition package that includes Canadian LNG as an intermediate.
So to see this government, who to be fair has been very active on that front this year, continue this trend with new leadership is very welcoming to see.
Overall this meeting feels like a success. I am very happy to see all of these points listed and with the areas being focused on. They are all areas I would be focused on as well.
While this might feel like a lot of nothing to some people, these trips provide officials an opportunity to network and set priorities to focus on. They help open the door for us to promote our advantages and capabilities, especially at a critical time like now.
So, as Joly and Fuhr move on to Finland, I think we can be happy and content with this, and hope for future meetings to come soon.