Prime Minister Mark Carney, pictured with his wife Diana Fox Carney, speaks to reporters before boarding a government aircraft at an airport in Tokyo, Japan, on March 7, 2026. (Photo: The Canadian Press)
Prime Minister Mark Carney will travel to Norway on Friday to observe a major NATO military exercise taking place above the Arctic Circle. The event, known as Cold Response, brings together thousands of troops from several countries for joint training operations.
The exercise takes place every two years and focuses on preparing military forces for challenging Arctic conditions. This year’s training involves around 25,000 troops from 14 different nations.
During the exercise, military units practice coordinated operations on land, in the air, and at sea.
Large International Military Exercise
Cold Response gathers NATO allies and partner countries for large-scale training in northern Norway. The region’s harsh winter environment allows participating forces to practice operating in extreme weather and remote terrain.
Several countries have sent troops to participate in the exercise, including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, France, Sweden, and Finland.
Military planners say the training helps strengthen co-operation between allied nations and improves readiness for operations in the Arctic region.
Prime Minister Carney plans to observe part of the exercise while visiting Norway.
Meetings Planned in Oslo
During his trip, Carney will also hold talks with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre in the capital city of Oslo.
The two leaders plan to discuss several areas of cooperation between their countries. These topics include trade, investment, clean energy development, critical minerals, and the aerospace industry.
Canada and Norway share similar interests in Arctic development and energy innovation, which officials say makes cooperation between the two countries important.
Canada-Nordic Summit
While in Norway, Carney will also attend the Canada-Nordic Summit.
At the meeting, he will speak with leaders from Nordic countries about strengthening political and economic partnerships. Discussions will focus on improving cooperation on global issues, including security and economic development.
The summit will also provide an opportunity for leaders to exchange ideas about regional stability and collaboration among allied nations.
Stop in London After Norway Visit
After completing his meetings in Norway, Carney plans to make a brief stop in London before returning to Canada.
In the United Kingdom, he will meet with Prime Minister Keir Starmer to discuss international security issues.
The conversation between the two leaders will focus on defence cooperation as well as the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Officials say the meeting reflects Canada’s ongoing engagement with international partners on global security matters.
Strengthening International Partnerships
The trip highlights Canada’s continued involvement with allies in both security and economic partnerships.
Through NATO exercises and diplomatic meetings, the government aims to strengthen cooperation with countries that share common interests in defence, trade, and energy development.
Carney’s visit to Norway and the United Kingdom forms part of Canada’s broader effort to remain closely connected with partners in Europe and the Arctic region.
