Agreement creates new opportunities for Canadian workers and delivers economic benefits across high value sectors

GATINEAU, QC, Sept. 25, 2026 /CNW/ -- The Government of Canada is acting to strengthen Canada's economic and security interests by deepening cooperation with trusted international partners. In a global economy where security, and innovation drive growth, Canada is creating new opportunities for Canadian workers and delivering economic benefits across high‑value sectors.

Today, the Honourable Joël Lightbound, Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement and Quebec Lieutenant, and the Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced that Canada has signed a General Security of Information Agreement (GSOIA) with Germany. The agreement was signed on the margins of the German Foreign Minister's visit to Canada.

The agreement establishes a trusted framework for the secure exchange of sensitive information with Germany, including intelligence, sensitive operational information and technical data related to defence and security activities. It strengthens Canada's engagement with Germany, a key NATO partner in the Euro-Atlantic region, including by supporting defence cooperation. It would also expand opportunities for Canadian industry to participate in German contracts involving classified information, including those related to the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project.

Canada and Germany maintain a strong bilateral relationship encompassing defence, security, trade and investment. Bilateral merchandise trade reached $34.3 billion in 2025, making Germany Canada's sixth-largest merchandise trading partner globally and largest trading partner within the European Union. In recent years, Germany has increased defence investments and strengthened its contribution to collective security in Europe, creating new opportunities for enhanced cooperation in defence and security between Canada and Germany.

The GSOIA is consistent with Canada's European Engagement Strategy while advancing Canada's trade priorities by facilitating business opportunities for Canadian companies in key sectors including defence, security, aerospace, marine, energy and space. By enabling the secure exchange of classified information, this agreement will strengthen cooperation on trade, innovation, and advanced technologies. It will strengthen Canada's position as a trusted partner in strategic sectors, support economic growth, and contribute to building a stronger, more competitive Canadian economy.

Quotes

"Canada and Germany are strengthening a trusted partnership that delivers real and tangible benefits for Canadians. This agreement will make Canada safer by improving the protection of sensitive information, strengthening cooperation with one of our closest NATO allies, and enabling more effective coordination on shared security priorities. It reinforces Canada's ability to respond to emerging threats, support our defence and security objectives, and work seamlessly with like-minded partners to protect Canadians and advance our shared interests in an increasingly complex world."

The Honourable Joël Lightbound
Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement and Quebec Lieutenant

"Canada's relationship with Germany is rooted in a shared commitment to international security, democratic values, and the rules-based international order. This agreement strengthens Canada's ability to work closely with a key European ally on common defence and security priorities, while underscoring Canada's role as a reliable and engaged partner in addressing regional and global challenges."

The Honourable Anita Anand
Minister of Foreign Affairs

"As longstanding allies and partners, Canada and Germany have a strong history of working together to advance international peace and security. At a time of heightened global uncertainty, trusted cooperation between allies is more important than ever. The General Security of Information Agreement signed today strengthens our ability to share and protect sensitive information, enhances defence cooperation and interoperability, and supports more effective collaboration on shared security priorities. This agreement is a compelling example of how Canada is deepening partnerships with like-minded allies to protect Canadians and contribute to a safer and more secure world."

The Honourable Stephen Fuhr
Secretary of State, Defence Procurement

Quick facts

• Canada and Germany have been long-standing NATO allies, cooperating on collective defence and international security since West Germany joined the alliance in 1955.
• GSOIAs are negotiated by Public Services and Procurement Canada's Industrial Security Sector, in collaboration with Global Affairs Canada and National Defence.
• Canada and Germany are both parties to the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, which has been provisionally applied since 2017, and is pending full ratification by all European Member States.

Associated links

• Canada and France sign General Security of Information Agreement - Canada.ca
• Canada and European Space Agency sign General Security of Information Agreement — Canada.ca
• Canada and Spain sign General Security of Information Agreement, protecting sensitive information and promoting economic prosperity — Canada.ca
• Canada and Portugal protect sensitive information and promote economic prosperity with signing of General Security of Information Agreement — Canada.ca
• Canada and Poland sign General Security of Information Agreement, protecting sensitive information and promoting economic prosperity
• Canada signs General Security of Information Agreement with Ukraine

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SOURCE Public Services and Procurement Canada