Toronto, 26 March 2023 (GNP): US President Joe Biden marked his first official visit to his northern neighbor Canada on March 25 for agreements between Canada and US. Shortly after, the Chinese and Russian leaders held their first talks since the beginning of the war to strengthen economic ties between their nations.
Biden and Trudeau convened a meeting and emphasized the strength of the U.S., Canada, and their allies to defend all NATO territory. Joe Biden addressed the Canadian parliamentarians and reaffirmed the commitment to strengthen bilateral relations through key agreements and partnerships. The US President, Joe Biden, and the Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, issued joint statements on March 25 to discuss various issues.
The leaders emphasized the importance of partnerships and ongoing collaboration between Canada and the US on issues such as trade, security, and the environment, reflecting a deep sense of friendship, history, and shared values. This collaboration aims to improve people’s lives on both sides of the border. North American leaders have reaffirmed their commitment to working together to protect the continent from potential threats and to promote economic growth and prosperity.
The leaders also expressed their support for Ukraine and condemned Russia’s aggression. They acknowledged the challenge to the international order posed by China and pledged to continue working together to counter foreign interference and protect democratic values. They also discussed cooperation to promote a free, open, prosperous, and secure Indo-Pacific, including through the U.S.-Canada Indo-Pacific Strategic Dialogue, which took place in March. The President expressed his support for Canada joining the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF).
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Canada announced its partnership with IBM to enhance domestic research and development as well as advanced packaging of semiconductors. The country also unveiled its plan to invest a maximum of $250 million in bolstering North American competitiveness and supply chain resiliency, reducing pollution, and supporting economic and national security.
The leaders also committed to promoting trade in clean goods, including clean steel and aluminum, and continuing to collaborate on renewable energy, electric vehicle supply chains, critical minerals, renewable energy nuclear energy, and aligning zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) infrastructure to create new opportunities for people to thrive and have great careers.
During the meeting, Canada announced a $7.3 billion project to upgrade and build new fighter infrastructure to support the arrival of the country’s new fleet of F-35 fighter jets. This investment is aimed at ensuring that Canadian troops have the best equipment to defend North America.
Additionally, Canada will be installing the early warning of the Arctic Over the Horizon Radar (OTHR) and threat tracking system in Southern Ontario, complementing a future system based in the Canadian High Arctic. These Canadian systems will work together with planned US systems to expand situational awareness of potential threats to the continent. The funding for these projects comes from Canada’s $38.6 billion plan to modernize continental defense.
In addition to agreements between Canada and US, the leaders discussed the importance of taking bold and ambitious action to fight climate change and protect nature. Canada will invest an additional $420 million to protect the Great Lakes, a source of pride for both Canadians and Americans, as part of a renewed joint commitment to preserving and restoring these iconic waters and ensuring the resilience of the communities and people that depend on them.
