National defence officials, diplomats and industry leaders from around the world are gathering in Halifax this weekend for an annual three-day conference to discuss issues of international security, with a focus this year on the future of democracy.
Defence Minister David McGuinty is hosting the 17th annual Halifax International Security Forum, an event watched closely for its discussions among democratic allies about collective defence and global conflicts.
McGuinty told reporters at an opening press conference Friday that “the international security environment is more complex, and it’s more dangerous, than at any time since the end of the Cold War” — making it all the more important for democracies to stand together.
“Democracy has everything to do with international security,” Peter Van Praagh, president of the Halifax forum, said while explaining this year’s theme.
“No democracy, no security.”
Among the invited participants are nine U.S. senators, whose bipartisan delegation is led by Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, the top-ranking Democrat on the U.S. Senate foreign relations committee. Unlike previous conferences, this one does not include any members of the U.S. military.
American lawmakers have continued to engage with Canada on issues of international security despite a breakdown in trade talks and harsh rhetoric from U.S. President Donald Trump.
In his opening remarks, Van Praagh thanked the senators for attending but noted that currently, “democracy is not talked about by the United States government” and is “not a priority,” requiring other allies to step up.
Shaheen — a longtime Halifax forum attendee who has announced she won’t seek re-election next year — acknowledged in her own keynote address that “it’s been a tough year for democracies” around the world, and that allies are concerned about whether the U.S. can be relied upon.
“At a moment when alliances are being questioned, it’s important for American leaders to show up to this forum and forums like this around the world,” she said.
“We are all here because we believe in the democratic values that Peter and Minister McGuinty talked about, and also because we believe in the importance of the U.S.-Canadian relationship,” which has been “strained” under Trump, she added.
During a defence-related investment announcement in Halifax on Friday morning ahead of the conference, McGuinty said there is “no daylight” between Canada and the U.S. on issues of defence and intelligence.
“We are sharing information (and) intelligence, we’re sharing equipment, purchasing equipment, we have integrated supply chains, we’re working together on different equipment. We’re in lockstep on so many fronts. That’s a positive and important thing for us going forward,” he told reporters.
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McGuinty used his opening remarks at the forum to underscore Canada’s commitment to collective defence and the upholding of democratic values.
He highlighted Ottawa’s increased investment in the Canadian Armed Forces, which will see Canada meet its NATO spending commitments for the first time this year.
“We know from history that the wolf is always at the door,” he told the crowd. “Keeping it at bay takes commitment and it takes collaboration.
“The challenges facing democracies are immense. They know no borders and they will not relent. No one country has all the answers. … That’s what this forum is all about.”
European allies press for unity against Russia
Other invited delegates include and defence ministers from Sweden, the Netherlands, Latvia, Estonia and Colombia.
In a phone interview with Global News ahead of his participation in a Friday panel called “Democracies Don’t Despair,” Swedish Defence Minister Pål Jonson said it was important for democratic nations to show a collective resolve against aggressive actors like Russia.
He expected the war in Ukraine and broader European security to be a key topic throughout the weekend.
“I would assume that the linchpin of the European security order will be discussed, and also what needs to be done in Europe when it comes to beefing up and strengthening the ability to deter and defend,” he said.
“We do take note that Russia keeps invading neighbouring countries, and has a great inclination to take political and military risks, and we are committed to deterring and defending every inch of allied territory.”
The forum comes as reports emerge of a new U.S.-backed peace proposal that foresees Ukraine handing over territory to Russia, reduces the size of it army and blocks its coveted path to NATO membership.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who has reviewed the draft plan, said Friday the proposal means Ukraine must choose between its sovereignty or keeping a strong ally in the United States.
McGuinty would not comment directly on the proposal when pressed by reporters in Halifax, but said he doesn’t believe the U.S. intends to end support for Ukraine.
“One of the things I learned a long, long time ago as a former negotiator is don’t comment on negotiations you’re not a part of,” he said.
“We’re not parties to that negotiation, but we remain hopeful, eternally hopeful, that we can bring this to an end — first a ceasefire, and then an end to the war.”
Jonson said Sweden and other NATO allies continue to press the case that Ukraine must be able to negotiate from a position of strength, which requires continued military support to beat back Russia on the battlefield.
He said he will raise that point on Friday’s panel and with any officials he encounters on the sidelines of the forum — including the U.S. senators — if given the opportunity before he returns to Sweden later in the day.
“The basic assumption is that everybody wants peace. The Ukrainian people more than anyone else want peace,” he said.
“But there has to be a fair peace and there has to be a sustainable peace as well, because otherwise there is the risk that Russia will break such a peace agreement again and that it will once again do more aggression.”
Jonson’s warnings about Russia echo comments made by Kaspars Ozoliņš, Latvia’s ambassador to Canada, in an interview with Global News earlier this month.
“I’ve lived under the Soviet regime,” he said, describing the “influence of terror” that preceded Latvia’s independence in 1991.
“The Soviet regime was much milder than it is right now in Russia. And that scares me.”
Among the speakers and participants in the Halifax forum are Canada’s chief of defence staff, Gen. Jennie Carignan, Justice Minister Sean Fraser, secretary of state for defence procurement Stephen Fuhr, and former defence minister Bill Blair.
Planned sessions include talks on military technology and spending, Taiwan, cybersecurity and the future of NATO.
Van Praagh said Friday that the threats from China, Russia, Iran and North Korea are clear.
“We cannot meet those threats unless our democracies are working, and to be more specific, unless American democracy is working,” he said.