Arctic Security: Learning from the Nordic Countries

Left to right, Trygve Ringereide and John Gilbert (standing), Murray Brewster, Eric Laporte, Ambassador Burgstaller and Ambassador Ulrichsen

Months of planning went into the very special panel discussion on Arctic Security: Learning from the Nordic Countries, held on the evening of April 16 at the Army Officers’ Mess. Our President, Trygve Ringereide had approached the NATO Association of Canada in 2025 to see if they were interested in co-operating on an event on this increasingly significant issue to the Nordic countries and Canada. Things came to a stall for a while until Trygve and John Gilbert, then President of the Arctic Circle, agreed to organize the event together. I was recruited to participate in the planning and preparations. The NATO Association then came on board and the expertise and assistance of Jake Rooke and his team proved invaluable.

Trygve contacted senior CBC news writer on defence and security Murray Brewster and asked if he would be willing to moderate a panel discussion on the topic, to include Nordic ambassadors and a government representative. He agreed. Sweden’s Ambassador to Canada, Her Excellency Signe Burgstaller, and Norway’s Ambassador to Canada, Her Excellency Hanne Ulrichsen, accepted our invitation to sit on the panel, and Global Affairs Canada agreed to send a representative at the invitation of the NATO Association. The Honourable David Collenette, Chair of the NATO Association of Canada and Former Minister of Finance, was to make the opening remarks, to be followed by key note speaker, Rebecca Chartrand, Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs. Due to a family emergency, Minister Chartrand had to cancel at the last minute. Senator Pat Duncan, Deputy Government Liaison in the Senate and former Premier of Yukon, graciously agreed to replace her. Eric Laporte, Executive Director of the Regional Security and Relations Division at Global Affairs Canada, would be the representative of Global Affairs.

Despite a very rainy evening, the turnout exceeded our expectations, with over 140 in attendance. NATO Association intern Sarah Chester called the event to order, followed by Trygve Ringereide’s words of welcome, the Honourable David Collenette’s introductory remarks, and the key note speech by Senator Duncan. Murray Brewster’s skilful role as moderator set the tone for the panelists' remarks, which were thoughtful and comprehensive. (The NATO Association is preparing a report on the discussion, which will be made available to our members.) Mingling, socializing, and conversation took place both before and after the panel event. All in all, it was a resounding success, the culmination of many months of preparation for an ambitious and highly appreciated event. (Photos are courtesy of Janice Lang of the Arctic Circle, and the Swedish and Norwegian Embassies.)

Sarah Chester, seated, brought the room to order, followed by CNS President Trygve Ringereide’s welcome to the audience. (Photo: Janice Lang, The Arctic Circle)

The Honourable David Collenette made the introductory remarks (Photo: Janice Lang, The Arctic Circle)

Senator Duncan was the key note speaker (Photo: Janice Lang, The Arctic Circle)

The panelists, left to right, Mr. Laporte, Ambassador Burgtaller, and Ambassador Ulrichsen (Photo: Janice Lang, The Arctic Circle)

A full house with an attentive crowd as NATO intern Sarah Chester calls the room to order (Photo: Janice Lang, The Arctic Circle)

The participants and organizers, with the exception of John Gilbert, who was not available at the time the photo was taken