Canadian Coast Guard signs agreement with Norwegian Coast Guard at International Arctic Meeting
Press Release
April 16, 2026 – Copenhagen, Denmark – National Defence / Canadian Coast Guard
A delegation from the Canadian Coast Guard met with their counterparts at the Arctic Coast Guard Forum Principals’ Meeting held in Copenhagen, Denmark. The meeting was an important opportunity to strengthen international partnerships and reinforce Canada’s leadership role among Arctic coast guards. It was a valuable occasion to enhance dialogue on emerging challenges in the Arctic region, identify opportunities for collaboration and share information on maritime security, and contribute to shaping the future direction of the Arctic Coast Guard Forum.
The meeting offered an opportunity to strengthen collaboration with Arctic Coast Guard Forum partners to advance maritime and Arctic security following the increased security responsibilities and authorities given to the Canadian Coast Guard in the Strengthening Canada’s Immigration System and Borders Act (Bill C-12).
As the head of the Canadian delegation, Kevin Brosseau, Commissioner of the Canadian Coast Guard, finalized and signed the amended agreement between the Canadian Coast Guard and the Norwegian Coast Guard, expanding collaboration between the Canadian Coast Guard Academy and the Norwegian Coast Guard School. This agreement reflects a shared commitment to professional development, training excellence, and long‑term operational cooperation for both organizations including curriculum development, course and training exchange, and instructor and personnel exchange.
Canada’s participation in the Arctic Coast Guard Forum underscores its commitment to Arctic safety, security, and stewardship through strong international cooperation.
Quotes
“Engagements like the Arctic Coast Guard Forum are vital to strengthening our alliances and partnerships. As Canada has met NATO’s two percent of GDP defence spending target, we are making the investments needed to bolster maritime security, deepen cooperation with trusted allies, and enable the Canadian Coast Guard to play an expanded role in safeguarding the Arctic—now and for generations to come.”
The Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence
“I would like to thank Major General Søren Andersen of Denmark’s Joint Arctic Command for hosting this important event. The Arctic Coast Guard Forum Principals’ meeting facilitated meaningful collaboration with Arctic partners on shared priorities, including the exploration of new areas of cooperation with respect to maritime security, following the recent adoption of the Strengthening Canada’s Immigration System and Borders Act (Bill C‑12). On the margins of the meeting, I was pleased to sign a cooperation agreement with the Norwegian Coast Guard, further strengthening our collective ability to work together in service of Arctic security.”
Kevin Brosseau, Senior Associate Deputy Minister of National Defence, Commissioner of the Canadian Coast Guard, and Canada’s Fentanyl Czar
Quick facts
The Arctic Coast Guard Forum Principals’ Meeting theme is “ice” which tries to address the risks posed by isolated and ice-filled areas in the Arctic.
The Arctic Coast Guard Forum is an independent, informal, operationally-driven organization, not bound by treaty, to foster safe, secure, and environmentally responsible maritime activity in the Arctic.
The Arctic Coast Guard Forum is a voluntary forum comprised of the eight-member states of the Arctic Council: Canada, United States, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Russia (not currently active).
The Canadian Coast Guard and the Norwegian Coast Guard amended their agreement by increasing cooperation in education and training. The Canadian Coast Guard Academy and the Norwegian Coast Guard School will further collaborate on curriculum development, digital learning systems, instructor and personnel exchanges, and joint professional development initiatives through 2036.