09/25/2026
๐๐จ๐ซ๐๐ข๐ ๐๐ข๐ฉ๐ฅ๐จ๐ฆ๐๐๐ฒ ๐ข๐ง ๐๐๐ฐ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ง๐๐ฅ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐๐๐ซ๐๐๐จ๐ซ ๐ฉ๐ฐ๐ซ๐ฎ๐ฎ๐ธ๐ณ๐ด๐ธ๐ช
Ambassador Hanna-Leena Korteniemi and her Nordic counterparts have just returned from a joint Nordic diplomacy visit to Newfoundland and Labrador.
The programme began with a focus on water and ice, including a visit to the National Research Council Canada (NRC), where the Ambassadors learned about Canada's world-class ice research and testing facilities. Both Finland and Canada have significant snowhow and lot to collaborate on. One recent example is Finnish icebreaker Nordicaโs mission on Canadian waters this season.
The maritime theme continued in St. Johnโs with a visit to the Canadian Coast Guard. The Ambassadors received a briefing on the Coast Guardโs vital role in search and rescue operations, as well as its cooperation with Nordic countries in the North Atlantic and Arctic regions. At an event hosted by the Atlantic Canada Aerospace and Defence Association, the Nordics explored emerging innovations and capabilities in the aerospace and defence sectors.
The joint mission also provided an opportunity to visit LโAnse aux Meadows, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the first known Norse settlement in North America. Visiting this remarkable site offered a fascinating glimpse into the shared history connecting North America and the Nordic region.
The Ambassadors had the honour of meeting Premier Tony Wakeham, with discussions centred on Arctic security, defence, and the growing importance of cooperation among like-minded partners in the North. They also met Lloyd Parrott, Minister of Energy and Mines, to discuss investment opportunities and critical minerals, as well as Lin Paddock, Minister of Jobs, Immigration and Growth, to exchange views on economic development and regional growth.
Together, these discussions highlighted the strong potential for deeper engagement between Newfoundland and Labrador and the Nordic region. Ambassador Korteniemi showcased Finland's expertise not only in icebreaking, but also in forestry, defence, critical minerals, and mining, highlighting a range of opportunities for future collaboration.
Additionally, an important part of these joint Nordic missions across Canada is connecting with students. The Ambassadors participated in a panel discussion at Memorial University, where the focus was on Nordic-Canadian cooperation, transatlantic relations, and Arctic security.
A sincere thank you to all our hosts and partners for the warm welcome and insightful discussions throughout the visit. We thank Denmark in Canada for leading this joint Nordic diplomacy trip, and The Nordic Council of Ministers for the continued support.
