Agreement expands market access and boosts Canadian industry competitiveness in Greece

GATINEAU, QC, Oct. 13, 2026 /CNW/ -- The Government of Canada is committed to strengthening its relationship with its European partners and expanding economic avenues for Canada.

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 the signing of a General Security of Information Agreement (GSOIA) with Greece. The signatories were Sonya Thissen, Canada's Ambassador to the Hellenic Republic and High Commissioner to the Republic of Cyprus, and for Greece, Major General Emmanouil Chatzis, Director E Branch at the Hellenic National Defence General Staff, in the presence of Minister of National Defence of Greece Nikolaos Dendias and the Chief of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff, General Dimitrios Choupis.

The formal signing, held in Athens, Greece, marks a strategic step in Canada's push to expand its collaboration with a valued and like-minded EU partner.  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.

Canada and Greece share a dynamic and growing economic relationship rooted in shared democratic values, strong people-to-people ties, and important trade, investment, and innovation partnerships. As maritime nations, Canada and Greece also share strategic interests in areas such as naval security, coastal infrastructure protection, and maritime intelligence.

The GSOIA builds on these deep existing foundations, further enabling the secure exchange of classified information, including in sensitive areas such as defence intelligence and technical data on weapons systems. This helps support our shared security and can enable commercial opportunities by ensuring top-tier security standards for data sharing between authorized contractors and government institutions.

Once in force, the agreement will:

• deepen Canada's engagement with Greece, a North Atlantic Treaty Organization ally through cooperation in operations, equipment sharing, and shared Atlantic priorities
• expand market access and boost Canadian industry competitiveness in Greece
• facilitate collaboration with Greece's specialized workforce and advanced defence technologies and
• enhance joint efforts in maritime situational awareness, infrastructure protection, and countering transnational threats

Quotes

"Canada and Greece share a deep commitment to democracy, the rule of law, and the values that underpin our security and prosperity. At a time of growing global uncertainty, trusted partnerships are more important than ever. Our new General Security of Information Agreement will enable the secure exchange of sensitive information, strengthen cooperation in strategic sectors, and create new opportunities for Canadian industry. It will help Canadian businesses compete for new opportunities abroad while supporting jobs, growth, and innovation here at home. This is another example of our government taking action to strengthen Canada's economy, advance our interests, and deepen cooperation with trusted allies."

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

"Canada's relationship with Greece reflects a shared vision for global cooperation rooted in innovation, resilience, and mutual prosperity. This agreement opens new avenues for collaboration in sectors that matter to both countries—like aerospace and advanced technologies—while reinforcing our common economic security."

The Honourable Anita Anand
Minister of Foreign Affairs

"For generations, Canada and Greece have defended the principles and institutions of democracy at home and abroad. The General Security of Information Agreement signed today makes it possible for government and industry in our two countries to communicate and co-operate securely on a wide range of bilateral defence priorities. The agreement affirms our government's commitment to building a stronger, safer Canada in co-operation with trusted allies."

The Honourable Stephen Fuhr
Secretary of State, Defence Procurement

Quick facts

• GSOIAs are negotiated by Public Services and Procurement Canada's Industrial Security Sector in collaboration with Global Affairs Canada and National Defence. 
• Canada and Greece are both signatories to the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement which facilitates market access, reduces tariffs, and promotes investment opportunities.

Associated links

• Canada and France sign General Security of Information Agreement - Canada.ca
• Canada and Germany sign General Security of Information Agreement - Canada.ca
• Canada and European Space Agency sign General Security of Information Agreement - Canada.ca
• Canada-Greece relations – 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