Prime Minister Mark Carney and Taoiseach Micheál Martin announced deeper bilateral cooperation across artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and food security during a visit to Dublin on June 13, 2026. The leaders underscored the deep Canada-Ireland relationship, rooted in shared history and common values, and noted that bilateral trade has grown nearly 150% in the past decade. The new cooperation is guided by a joint statement aimed at strengthening ties in key sectors.

In the technology sector, Canada and Ireland will collaborate on artificial intelligence (AI). The partnership will leverage Canada's AI for All strategy and Ireland's new "Digital Ireland" strategy to identify pathways for cooperation. The leaders stated that the collaboration aims to build and use AI, seize new opportunities, and save lives. As an immediate result, Canada-based OpenText announced an investment of more than $160 million in Cork, Ireland, to establish its European hub for AI.

Biotechnology and pharmaceuticals represent another pillar of the enhanced cooperation. The focus will include life-science skills development for students and researchers. A specific example cited by the leaders is the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Toronto-based Centre for Commercialization of Regenerative Medicine (CCRM) and Ireland's RINN Advanced Therapies national research centre. The MOU will explore the establishment of a CCRM Ireland hub to harness transformative health technologies and create opportunities for Canadian biopharmaceutical companies. Additionally, an MOU between the Canadian Alliance for Skills and Training in Life Sciences (CASTL) and Ireland's National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT) will expand collaboration on workforce development.

The leaders also tasked their officials with finding new ways to increase shared food security and resilience. This effort will be guided by Canada's new National Food Security Strategy. Additionally, with Ireland assuming the Presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU) in July, the leaders discussed opportunities to build competitiveness, bolster defence and security, and uphold shared values. These efforts will be reinforced by Ireland's full ratification of the Canada-EU Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), expected later this year.

On June 14, 2026, Prime Minister Carney met with the President of Ireland, Catherine Connolly, in Westport. The leaders reflected on the strong kinship between the two nations and the progress made the previous day. They discussed Canada and Ireland's commitment to multilateralism and support for the reform of institutions such as the United Nations. Building on the two countries' shared heritage, the leaders looked forward to the launch of Canada-Ireland 180 next year. This initiative will mark 180 years since the emigration of over 100,000 Irish to Canada, fleeing the famine. Prime Minister Carney shared that Canada will contribute up to $2 million toward this initiative. Funding will support Irish and Canadian artists, celebrate culture and history, and empower festivals, galleries, and institutions to share stories.

Key Areas of Cooperation

Canada and France have signed a General Security of Information Agreement (GSOIA) to establish a trusted framework for the secure exchange of classified information. The agreement, announced on June 12, 2026, strengthens cooperation in defence, space, intelligence, and advanced technologies, positioning Canadian businesses to compete for high-value contracts. This partnership enhances economic opportunities and reinforces national security capabilities.

The Honourable Joël Lightbound, Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement and Quebec Lieutenant, and the Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs, confirmed the signing. The agreement enables closer collaboration in areas requiring the protection of sensitive information, leveraging the long-standing defence relationship between the two North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) allies.

By ensuring the secure sharing of classified information, the agreement allows Canadian businesses to participate in defence, security, and advanced technology projects with France. This includes contracts and research in dual-use technologies such as aerospace, space, cybersecurity, and advanced communications. The initiative is expected to create new opportunities for Canadian workers and deliver economic benefits across high-value sectors.

Key Sectors for Cooperation

The agreement focuses on sectors where technologies routinely have civilian and military applications. These include:

Strategic Impact

The GSOIA reinforces Canada's ability to work closely with a key European ally on shared strategic priorities. It supports the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, which has been provisionally applied since 2017. The agreement was negotiated by Public Services and Procurement Canada's Industrial Security Sector, in collaboration with Global Affairs Canada and National Defence.

The Honourable Stephen Fuhr, Secretary of State for Defence Procurement, emphasized that the agreement strengthens military interoperability and equips both countries to respond rapidly in an increasingly complex global security environment. This move underscores Canada's role as a reliable and engaged partner in the evolving global security landscape.