President Stubb on working visit to Canada: Together we are stronger

President of the Republic of Finland Alexander Stubb paid a working visit to Canada on 14-15 April 2026.

President Stubb met Prime Minister of Canada Mark on Tuesday 14 April in Ottawa. The discussions focused on bilateral relations between Finland and Canada, economic and security cooperation, transatlantic relations, Arctic issues, as well as the situation in the Middle East and Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine.

"In foreign policy, you usually deal with three things: values, interests and power. I believe we share the values and interests. Together, we are much stronger," President Stubb said.

"I would say this was one of the most important visits abroad of the year," the President said when meeting the Finnish media. "For two reasons. The first is the global political situation. We have a lot in common when it comes to Arctic issues, NATO, overall European security, and the Middle East."

"The second positive thing is that this is the largest business delegation I have had with me during my two years in office. I am accompanied by 40 Finnish companies, representing the defence industry, the technology sector, as well as critical minerals and mining, and, of course, a strong maritime cluster.

On-ice training with the Ottawa Charge

Before their official talks, President Stubb and Prime Minister Carney took part in a practice with the Ottawa Charge. The women's professional hockey team features Finnish representation: defender Ronja Savolainen and goaltender Sanni Ahola play for the team, while Juuso Toivola serves as an assistant coach.

During his visit in Ottawa, President Stubb also met with Governor General of Canada Mary Simon at Rideau Hall. They exchanged views on shared priorities, including bilateral relations between Finland and Canada, global issues, the Arctic, and the role of Indigenous peoples in the sustainable development of Arctic regions. In addition to his other engagements, President Stubb had a meeting with Francis Scarpaleggia, Speaker of the Canadian House of Commons.

Travelling with 40 Finnish companies

On Wednesday 15 April, President Stubb took part in an armchair-style conversation with Dr Fen Hampson, Professor of International Affairs at Carleton University, at an event entitled Rebalancing the World Order in an Age of Fragmentation. The discussion was followed by a dynamic Q&A between the President and Carleton Students.

The working visit to Canada concluded with a business seminar. President Stubb joined Canada's Minister of Industry, Mélanie Joly, for a fireside chat on how the business community can contribute to building economic security and resilience. Over a working lunch, the President continued discussions with Minister Joly and Canada's Minister of National Defence David McGuinty.

In connection with the visit, Finland and Canada signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in the maritime industry, adopted a joint statement on sovereign technology and AI cooperation, and reaffirmed the action plan for a foreign and security policy strategic partnership issued in 2025.

President Stubb was accompanied on his working visit to Canada by Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen and Minister of Economic Affairs Sakari Puisto.

He was also joined by a large business delegation representing Finnish defence, technology, marine and mining companies. The participating companies were ABB, ALMACO Group, Bertin Environics, Betolar, Bittium, Champion Door, Davie, Elisa, Elomatic, Finnish Minerals Group, Hiab, ICEYE, Insta, IQM Quantum Computers, Kelluu, Kesla, Kewatec AluBoat, KNL Networks, Koja, KT-Shelter, Kuva Space, Marine Alutech, Metso, Nammo Lapua, Nokia, Normet, Patria Corporation, QMill, Railo Technology, Rauma Marine Constructions, Reaktor, ReOrbit, Savox, Sensofusion, Sisu Auto, Steerprop, Temet, Vaisala and Wärtsilä.

• Joint Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada, Mark Carney, and the President of the Republic of Finland, Alexander Stubb