Canadian PM Carney to attend Munich Security Conference this week

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney will travel to Munich, Germany, this week to attend the annual Munich Security Conference, a major global forum on international security. The trip, announced by his office on Tuesday, is part of Ottawa's effort to strengthen defense alliances and economic partnerships amid what it describes as a fading rules-based international order.

Focus on defense readiness and Arctic security

A key focus for Carney will be sharing progress on Canada's efforts to rapidly scale up its defense capabilities, particularly in defending the Arctic and NATO's northern and western flanks. In a statement, Carney emphasized a pragmatic approach, saying, "Nostalgia is not a strategy. We must see the world as it is." The prime minister's office stated that Canada is pursuing a "principled and pragmatic approach" to build sovereign defenses and diversify its security partnerships.

Economic diplomacy and high-level participation

Alongside security discussions, Carney will meet with international business leaders to promote Canada as a prime destination for investment, especially in critical minerals, energy, and advanced technologies. He will be accompanied by Foreign Minister Anita Anand, who is scheduled to participate in panels on Arctic security, Ukraine's sovereignty, and Canada's defense partnerships, and will hold meetings with her counterparts from other nations.

Context of the Munich conference

The three-day conference, running from February 13 to 15, is expected to draw over 200 senior officials from approximately 120 countries, including more than 60 heads of state and government. The event opens with an address by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, making his first appearance in that role at the forum. Canada's high-level participation underscores its intent to play a more active role in shaping transatlantic security and economic policy during a period of heightened global instability.