Timed deliberately ahead of CANSEC (Canada’s premier global defence and security trade show) the Ottawa gathering brought together over one hundred European and Canadian defence and innovation companies, alongside key government officials and EU representatives.
The event was hosted in partnership with the Embassy of Estonia, Invest Ottawa, CityAge, Earnscliffe Strategy Group, and Honorary Consuls Evaleen Jaager Roy and Evi Mustel.
Set against the backdrop of Prime Minister Carney’s commitment to double Canada’s defence spending by the end of the decade, and a broader push to diversify international trade, initiatives such as Canada’s participation in SAFE (the European Union’s defence procurement framework) are laying the groundwork for stronger collaboration with Estonia and other Northern European partners.
Key themes from the event included:
Northern Europe as a growing procurement corridor
Northern EU countries are emerging as some of the most active defence procurement hubs in Europe. Trade between Canada and the European Union has nearly doubled under CETA (the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement), creating a strong foundation for deeper economic alignment. With Canada’s involvement in SAFE, this relationship is further strengthened by increased trust and coordination.
Vosker, a Canadian remote surveillance and technology company, [was] recently invested in Estonia-based Reconeyez. The partnership reflects a shared vision to build a globally competitive leader in the sector.
A leading example of this collaboration is Vosker, a Canadian remote surveillance and technology company, which recently invested in Estonia-based Reconeyez. The partnership reflects a shared vision to build a globally competitive leader in the sector. Co-founder Danny Angers highlighted the level of trust and strategic alignment that enabled this significant investment.
The Baltics at the forefront of defence innovation
The Baltic states continue to distinguish themselves as agile leaders in defence and dual-use technology, supported by defence spending levels that account for 5–6% of GDP. Vosker shared firsthand insights from its expansion into the region, while Export Development Canada outlined new European offices and support tools designed to help Canadian firms successfully enter these markets.
The Arctic as a strategic frontier
Perspectives from Finland, Iceland, and Canada emphasized the growing importance of the Arctic as both a development and security priority. Discussions highlighted the need to balance economic opportunity with environmental stewardship in a region defined by challenges related to mobility, connectivity, and climate. Colonel Pierre LeBlanc, former Commander of Canadian Forces in the Arctic, provided a compelling overview of the operational realities and long-term opportunities in this unique environment.
The day concluded with the official launch of the Ottawa chapter of the Estonian Canadian Business Chamber—an appropriate culmination of a program focused on strengthening transatlantic partnerships and advancing shared economic and security priorities.
