National Defence Minister McGuinty meets with U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth

September 23, 2025 – Ottawa, ON – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

Yesterday, the Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence, travelled to Washington, D.C. to meet with United States’ Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth. 

During yesterday’s meeting, the two discussed the long-standing bilateral defence relationship and close military-to-military cooperation between Canada and the United States. Both states are working together to address global security challenges and defend our shared continent. Minister McGuinty reaffirmed Canada’s plan to rebuild, rearm and reinvest in the Canadian Armed Forces, as well as our commitment to increase and accelerate investments to strengthen the defence of Canada. 

The Minister also highlighted Canada’s ongoing commitment to the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and investments to modernize NORAD capabilities. The discussions reaffirmed our shared objective of strengthening and safeguarding North America.

Associated Links

• Our North, Strong and Free: A Renewed Vision for Canada’s Defence
• NORAD modernization project timelines
• Canada’s new government is rebuilding, rearming, and reinvesting in the Canadian Armed Forces