Defence Minister Bill Blair to meet with Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence in Vancouver

August 5, 2024 – Ottawa, Ontario – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

On August 8, 2024, the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence will welcome Richard Marles, Deputy Prime Minister of Australia and Minister for Defence, to Vancouver, British Columbia for a bilateral visit. The Ministers will discuss Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy and defence policy update, Our North, Strong and Free – and current and future efforts to strengthen the Canada-Australia defence relationship.

Minister Blair and Deputy Prime Minister Marles will be welcomed by the Guard of Honour , proceed to a bilateral meeting, and then hold a press conference in Vancouver.

Note: All times local.

August 8, 2024

11:00 am – Minister Blair and Deputy Prime Minister Marles will be greeted by the Guard of Honour, and then exchange greetings before a bilateral meeting.

• Location: Vancouver, British Columbia
• Guard of Honour ceremony and welcoming words will be open to media as a photo and video opportunity.
• Interested media are asked to contact Lieutenant(N) Michelle Scott to register for the event and receive further information. Please contact Michelle.Scott2@forces.gc.ca or 250-888-2483.
• Media are kindly asked to arrive no later than 10:40 am.

1:30 pm – Following their bilateral meeting, Minister Blair and Deputy Prime Minister Marles will hold a press conference.

• Location: Vancouver, British Columbia
• Interested media are asked to contact Lieutenant(N) Michelle Scott to register for the press conference and receive further information. Please contact Michelle.Scott2@forces.gc.ca or 250-888-2483.
• Media are kindly asked to arrive no later than 1:10 pm.