Strengthening alliances with partners

Winnipeg South Centre

As promised, I’m happy to share a brief update on my experience at the NATO parliamentary annual general meeting. A few weeks ago, I travelled to Brussels, Belgium, and participated in meetings of the NATO parliamentary assembly. It was an honour to represent Canada as part of a cross-party parliamentary delegation, working alongside colleagues from across the alliance at a time when global security challenges demand our close attention.

With NATO now made up of 32 member countries, the meetings brought together parliamentarians from across the alliance – including the United States, Finland, Sweden, and Turkey – to talk through the key challenges facing our shared security. It was a valuable opportunity to connect with colleagues, exchange perspectives, and deepen our understanding of the issues shaping our collective defence.

We discussed emerging security threats, our shared responsibilities, and each country’s role in maintaining a strong alliance. The Arctic, Ukraine and cyber warfare were prominent themes throughout the conference, and we heard directly from intelligence officials. I especially appreciated the opportunity to better understand the work NATO is doing and the priorities guiding its efforts.

As a country with a vast northern region, Canada plays an important role in the alliance. These conversations highlighted how our country – and especially our northern communities – fits into the broader security picture. I was grateful to bring these insights home as we work to keep Canadians safe and to strengthen our partnerships with our allies. The Prime Minister recently announced over $35 billion for investments into our Arctic and Northern defence. As the chair of the Prairies North caucus, and the House of Commons industry committee, this is welcome news for me. The investments will increase our defence capabilities and also spur substantial economic growth through dual-use infrastructure.

Canada’s first-ever defence industrial strategy aligns closely with NATO priorities. It promotes stronger northern defence, and supports Canadian innovation, manufacturing, and skilled jobs. By partnering with Canadian companies, the strategy encourages defence production within Canada while contributing to national security and economic growth.

Recent visits to Magellan Aerospace and RRC Polytechnic’s Price Institute of Advanced Manufacturing and Mechatronics highlighted how Canada’s defence industrial strategy will support domestic innovation, advanced manufacturing, and the development of key capabilities that strengthen our nation’s defence. Strengthening this sector will be important for Winnipeg South Centre, where advanced manufacturing jobs help to support local workers and long-term growth.

As always, please feel free to reach out to my office at 204-983-1356 or bencarr@parl.gc.ca.