Sweden’s monarch, King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden, arrived in Ottawa to a warm reception from a small group of spectators waving Swedish flags at Rideau Hall. Among the Canadian officials greeting them were Chief Justice Richard Wagner and Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand. The royal couple is on a three-day state visit, with planned stops in Ottawa and Montreal.
During a brief speech outside Rideau Hall, King Carl XVI Gustaf emphasized the strong and friendly partnership between Sweden and Canada, built on shared values and respect. He acknowledged Canada as the first country to approve Sweden’s entry into the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Sweden became a NATO member in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and has since increased its military presence in Latvia, joining a Canadian-led brigade.
Highlighting the importance of Arctic nations in global security, King Carl XVI Gustaf stressed the collaborative role Sweden and Canada play in addressing regional challenges and ensuring its security. In the absence of Governor General Mary Simon, Chief Justice Richard Wagner hosted the royal couple at a state dinner at Rideau Hall.
Prime Minister Mark Carney met with the Swedish monarchs, announcing a strategic partnership agreement spanning defense, trade, environmental initiatives, and more. The partnership aims to connect Canadian and Swedish industries, fostering cooperation in various sectors like clean energy, critical minerals, manufacturing, defense, forestry, research, and life sciences.
A joint statement from Prime Minister Carney and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson underscored the close relationship between the two nations, aligned with existing agreements between Canada and the European Union. Swedish ministers and representatives from Swedish companies, including Industry Minister Ebba Busch and Defence Minister Pal Jonson, are accompanying the royal couple on the visit.
Industry Minister Busch expressed Sweden’s deliberate choice of Canada as a friend during challenging times, citing Sweden’s expertise in submarine and fighter jet manufacturing. She mentioned Sweden’s interest in potentially assembling Gripen fighter jets in Canada, a move that could create thousands of jobs. Saab, a Swedish defense company, is exploring opportunities to collaborate with Bombardier and the Canadian government on this initiative.
Saab, a finalist for Canada’s CF-18 fighter jet replacement contract, lost to U.S. manufacturer Lockheed Martin. The Canadian government’s commitment to buying F-35A jets has prompted Saab to consider production in Canada. Minister Joly raised concerns about the industrial benefits of the Lockheed Martin deal and emphasized the potential for job creation through Saab’s production in Canada. Saab has indicated that local production could generate around 10,000 jobs in Canada.