Readout of a meeting between Defence Minister Anita Anand and U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin 

December 15, 2021 – Ottawa – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

Today, Defence Minister Anita Anand spoke with U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III. This was the first bilateral meeting between the two since Minister Anand became Minister of National Defence.

During their one-hour call, Minister Anand and Secretary Austin discussed key issues of mutual interest between our two nations, including shared concerns regarding Russia’s recent aggressive and destabilizing actions in and around Ukraine.

Minister Anand and Secretary Austin discussed their shared priorities and ongoing coordination between Allies and partners. Minister Anand reaffirmed Canada’s steadfast support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity.

Minister Anand reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to the Canada-U.S. Joint Statement on NORAD Modernization, which was issued on August 14, 2021, and discussed plans to move forward with implementation.

The Minister and the Secretary also had an opportunity to discuss efforts to reinforce defence cooperation between Canada and the United States, including in the Indo-Pacific, and the Arctic.