Canada, France to deepen intelligence sharing with new security pact

Canada and France are set to bolster their defense and industrial ties with a new general security of information agreement. Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the deal in Paris alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, highlighting increased collaboration in sectors such as energy, defense, critical minerals, and artificial intelligence.

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Businesses in both of our countries are doing more together, in energy, defence, critical minerals and now in (artificial intelligence).

This agreement will enable the secure exchange of classified information across critical areas including defense, space, and AI. Both leaders are also discussing broader trade and security issues during a closed-door meeting, with Macron emphasizing Canada's role as a friend to Europe and France.

The discussions occur as France prepares to host the upcoming G7 summit, where priorities include addressing geopolitical crises and supporting Ukraine. This meeting also holds significance as it may be one of the last between Carney and Macron, whose presidential term concludes next spring.

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What this means is an ability to exchange classified information between our defence, our space, our AI and our aerospace sectors.

Additionally, the leaders addressed online child protection, with both countries pursuing legislation to regulate social media use for minors. Canada's proposed Bill C-34 aims to require social media companies to block access for children under 16 and imposes responsibilities on AI chatbot developers.

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Canada as a friend to Europe and France.