Canada and France sign General Security of Information Agreement

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

GATINEAU QC, June 12, 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 access, security and innovation drive growth, Canada is ensuring its industries are well-positioned to compete and succeed.

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 France.

The agreement establishes a trusted framework that allows Canada and France to exchange and protect classified information securely, enabling closer cooperation in areas such as defence, security and advanced technologies. Canada and France share a long–standing and close defence relationship as North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) allies, grounded in mutual trust and a shared commitment to international security and stability. The agreement lays the groundwork for deeper cooperation in defence, space, intelligence, and advanced technology by ensuring that sensitive information can be shared securely and confidently.

With this agreement in place, Canadian businesses will be better positioned to compete for and participate in defence, security and advanced technology projects with France, including contracts and research that require the secure exchange of sensitive information. This creates new opportunities for Canadian workers and delivers economic benefits across high–value sectors.

The agreement also supports cooperation on dual–use technologies, including aerospace, space, cybersecurity and advanced communications, while strengthening capabilities that contribute to national security, public safety, and international stability. France is among Canada's most important partners in sectors where technologies routinely have civilian and military applications, including:

• aerospace and space systems
• cybersecurity and secure communications
• artificial intelligence and advanced data systems
• maritime and underwater technologies
• defence and security platforms with civilian applications

By enabling the secure exchange of classified information, this agreement will strengthen cooperation on trade, innovation, advanced technologies, and security while creating new opportunities for Canadian businesses and workers. It will help position Canada as a trusted partner in strategic sectors, support economic growth, and contribute to building a stronger, more competitive Canadian economy.

Quotes

"Canada and France 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 how our Armed Forces operate alongside one of our closest allies, and ensuring faster, more effective coordination when it matters most. It reinforces Canada's ability to respond to emerging threats, support our security priorities at home, and work seamlessly with like-minded partners to protect Canadians and defend our shared interests in a more complex world."

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

"Canada's relationship with France reflects a shared commitment to upholding international security and strengthening allied cooperation to address regional and global issues. This agreement reinforces Canada's ability to work closely with a key European ally on shared strategic priorities, while underscoring Canada's role as a reliable and engaged partner in an evolving global security environment."

The Honourable Anita Anand
Minister of Foreign Affairs

"As longstanding allies, Canada and France have a proud history of working together to strengthen international peace and security. The trust that binds our two countries is particularly important right now, as the rules-based international order weakens across the world. The General Security of Information Agreement signed today strengthens Canada's ability to cooperate with France on shared defence priorities, enhances military interoperability, and equips both countries to respond rapidly in an increasingly complex global security environment. This is another example of how our government is expanding partnership with like-minded allies to protect Canadians."

The Honourable Stephen Fuhr
Secretary of State, Defence Procurement

Quick facts

• Canada and France are long–standing NATO allies, cooperating on collective defence and international security since the alliance's founding in 1949.
• France is among Canada's leading European trading and investment partners, with billions of dollars in annual two–way trade.
• GSOIAs are negotiated by Public Services and Procurement Canada's Industrial Security Sector, in collaboration with Global Affairs Canada and National Defence. 
• Canada and France are both parties to the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, which has been provisionally applied since 2017, pending full ratification by all European  Member States.

Associated links

• 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 Government of Canada

Contacts: Media Relations, Public Services and Procurement Canada, 819-420-5501, [email protected]; Media Relations, Global Affairs Canada, [email protected]