Prime Minister Mark Carney, speaking in Germany

Prime Minister Mark Carney's recent visit to Germany marked a significant milestone in Canada's submarine procurement program, as he announced the shortlisting of two finalists: Germany's TKMS and South Korea's Hanwha Ocean Ltd. During his meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, the two leaders engaged in discussions on trade diversification, a partnership focused on critical minerals, and enhanced security cooperation.

The Prime Minister underscored the importance of modernizing Canada's submarine fleet, stressing that the selection process has taken into account a wide range of interests. He expressed enthusiasm for his upcoming visit to a marine systems facility, where he will be accompanied by the Minister of Industry and the Minister of National Defense.

Carney highlighted the significance of the German partnership, which aligns with Canada's commitment to fulfilling its responsibilities across all coastlines, including the Atlantic, Pacific, and Arctic. He noted that Germany has been at the forefront of efforts to reduce dependence on China and Russia, and suggested that Canada is well-positioned to support this diversification effort for Germany and Europe as a whole. By partnering with Germany, Canada can address vulnerabilities in its supply chains, particularly with regard to critical minerals. This cooperation is expected to have far-reaching benefits for both nations, enhancing their economic and security ties.