The Honourable Stephen Fuhr, Secretary of State (Defence Procurement), represented the Government of Canada at two major international trade shows in Berlin and Paris last week to discuss shared defence priorities and promote Canadian companies globally. The visits aimed to advance multilateral defence relationships, industrial partnerships, and innovation with key allies and industry leaders. These engagements are critical for strengthening Canada's defence industrial base and fostering collaboration with international partners.

Defence Investment Agency Focus

Secretary of State Fuhr highlighted Canada's new Defence Investment Agency (DIA), which is accelerating and streamlining defence procurements. The DIA's mandate includes engaging industry earlier in the procurement process, supporting innovation, and aligning procurement strategies with partner nations. This approach is designed to deliver new capabilities to the Canadian Armed Forces and Canadian Coast Guard faster while building resilient defence industrial partnerships.

Engagements in Berlin

At the ILA Berlin Air Show, Secretary of State Fuhr met with industry and trade representatives to discuss strengthening defence innovation, industrial capacity, and collective security, particularly around air defence. Discussions focused on priorities, potential investment, and opportunities for both Canadian and German firms to enhance cooperation and commercial trade. As NATO allies, Canada and Germany cooperate closely on security and defence issues.

Dialogues in Paris

At Eurosatory 2026 in Paris, Secretary of State Fuhr co-hosted the EU-Canada Defence Industry Dialogue with industry and trade representatives. He represented Canada at high-level meetings with counterparts, including the Direction generale de l'armement. During these discussions, he emphasized Canada's commitment to deeper supply chain integration with key allies and the importance of maintaining a strong EU-Canada strategic partnership.

Supporting Canadian Industry

Secretary of State Fuhr participated in the official opening of the Canada Pavilion at Eurosatory 2026, voicing support for Canadian industry and innovation. He underscored Canada's position as a trusted supplier of technologies to NATO allies. Additionally, he attended a reception at the Residence du Canada with key Canadian and French stakeholders to celebrate Eurosatory and the Vivatech Conference.

The Government of Canada published proposed regulations on June 19, 2026, to implement asylum reforms introduced through the Strengthening Canada's Immigration System and Borders Act. These measures are designed to establish clear requirements and timelines to improve how asylum claims are received, processed, and decided. The changes aim to make the asylum process faster while upholding Canada's commitment to protecting those in need.

Canadians, stakeholders, and interested organizations are invited to review the proposed regulations and provide feedback during a 30-day consultation period. Implementation of these regulations is anticipated later in 2026. The proposed changes build on recent measures to reduce pressures on the asylum system, improve efficiency, and strengthen system integrity.

The proposed regulations would simplify and streamline the claim process through several key actions. These include clarifying the asylum application process, establishing timelines for key government reviews, and specifying rules for the reinstatement of withdrawn claims and claims that are not abandoned. Additionally, the regulations seek to strengthen support for vulnerable claimants, help eligible claimants access work permits sooner, and create exceptions to new ineligibility rules.

Key Asylum Claim Statistics

The government cited recent data indicating a decrease in asylum claim volumes. From January to April 2026, 42% fewer people submitted an asylum claim in Canada compared to the same period in 2025. This represents a 63% decrease in claimants compared to the same period in 2024.

Legislative Context

These regulatory proposals follow the passage of Bill C-12, which received royal assent on March 26, 2026. The legislation strengthened Canada's immigration and asylum systems in four key areas: new eligibility requirements for asylum claims, a modernized asylum process, improved domestic information sharing, and expanded immigration document and application authorities. The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Red Tape Review identified opportunities to simplify asylum processes and improve the efficiency and integrity of the overall system.