Minister Sajjan Hosts Successful 2017 Halifax International Security Forum

News Release

November 19, 2017 – Halifax, Nova Scotia – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

Canadians understand that we live in a complex and ever changing global security environment – and they expect us to work hard to make the world a safer, more peaceful, and prosperous place for them and their families.

Today, Defence Minister Harjit S. Sajjan wrapped up the 9th annual edition of the Halifax International Security Forum (HISF), where he highlighted Canadian security and defence priorities through candid discussions with Defence Ministers, the academic community, industry, and officials from across the globe.

This year’s Forum, held from November 17-19, 2017, in Halifax, Nova Scotia, followed closely on the heels of the 2017 UN Peacekeeping Defence Ministerial held in Vancouver, a testament to Canada’s commitment to supporting continued dialogue on global security matters.

While at HISF, Minister Sajjan reiterated the Government of Canada’s multi-disciplinary whole-of-government approach to peace support operations, defence and security challenges, and multilateral cooperation with partners and allies. He also emphasized the work underway to implement Canada’s Defence Policy Strong, Secure, Engaged, an ambitious yet realistic plan that outlines Canada’s defence priorities for the next 20 years.

On the margins of the Forum, Minister Sajjan held a number of bilateral meetings, including with the U.S. Secretary of the Navy Richard Spencer, Senator Jeanne Shaheen, U.S. Ambassador to Canada Kelly Craft, Kosovo President Hashim Thaci, and his Afghanistan counterpart, Minister of Defence Tariq Shah Bahrami, and Afghanistan’s Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah.

The Minister also had the opportunity to congratulate Ms. Clare Hutchinson on her recent appointment to the role of NATO Secretary General’s Special Representative for Women, Peace and Security and speak with Switzerland’s Minister of Defence, Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin, Mexico’s Secretary of National Defense, Salvador Cienfuegos Zepeda, and Secretary of the Navy Vidal Francisco Soberón Sanz and Secretary of Defense for the Philippines Delfin N. Lorenzana.

Throughout the Forum the Minister continued discussions on Canada’s recently announced UN peace support pledge and reaffirmed Canada’s interest in working collaboratively with the international community to address emerging security threats.

Quotes

“This year, Canada’s 150th, has been a busy year for our country. Hosting the 2017 Halifax International Security Forum in addition to the UN Peacekeeping Defence Ministerial truly illustrated to me the progress we’ve made as an international community building a more peaceful world. I’m proud of the work we’ve accomplished, along with our allies and partners, to eradicate threats to our security and stability. I look forward to continue building on this progress so that all Canadians and global citizens may enjoy a safer and more prosperous world.

- Defence Minister Harjit S. Sajjan

Quick Facts

  • The Halifax International Security Forum connected more than 350 defence leaders from across the world, including senior government and military officials, policymakers, opinion leaders, academics, and members of the business community from like-minded nations.

  • Discussions included women’s role in peace processes, climate change, the challenges of rebuilding the Middle East, North Korea and its nuclear weapons program, relations with Russia, global terrorism, emerging technologies and UN peace operations, among many others.

  • Strong, Secure, Engaged is based on a vision that encompasses three elements to Canadian defence:

    • Canada will be Strong at Home ready to act in the service of Canadians;
    • Secure in North America through expanded capacity to meet NORAD commitments; and
    • Engaged in the World able to make concrete and positive contributions on the international stage.

Contacts

Renée Filiatrault
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of National Defence
(613) 996-3100

Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-996-2353
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca

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