While allies in numerous international organizations, France and Canada also maintain bilateral relations in many fields, including defence. Focusing on the Arctic sub-regions, this note proposes possible avenues of collaboration between Canada, an Arctic state, and France, an observer country to the Arctic Council. The identification of possible avenues for collaboration between these two states is all the more interesting given that the Canadian Arctic is facing ever-greater security and climate threats, which could require support from its allies.
More specifically, this new policy identifies three trends within which avenues for collaboration between Canada and France could be developed. The world has changed drastically since Strong, Secure, Engaged was released in Canada is facing new and evolving security threats, including climate change and its impacts on our Arctic; threats from Russia, China, and others to the international rules that keep us all safe; and accelerating changes to the character of conflict.
Canada and France have long been allies and share common values. Numerous exchanges and collaborations exist in various fields: the economy, culture, education, the French-speaking world… In the face of numerous geopolitical tensions, new conflicts, the return of war to Europe, and the increase in acts of interference, it is appropriate to strengthen defence cooperation to the benefit of bilateral interests.
Bilateral defence dialogue has already been institutionalized in with the establishment of the Franco-Canadian Defence Cooperation Council. With regard to the Arctic region, France wishes to maintain a high level of scientific, environmental, economic, and strategic commitment. This was reaffirmed in its national Arctic roadmap in and its polar strategy in In this context, the Ministry of the Armed Forces is developing its knowledge of the activities of state and private players in the region and refining its vision of developments that could have an impact on French interests.
In order to identify possible avenues for collaboration between France and Canada on these issues, we need to take stock of the defence challenges identified by Canada for its Arctic sub-regions. Focusing on the Arctic sub-regions, this note will address these issues by grouping them under two banners. In the first part, we will look at the security threats posed by certain external powers on Canadian soil, and those linked to new technologies for Canada.
