This week a high-level Canadian delegation, led by Honourable Colton F. LeBlanc, Nova Scotia’s Minister of Growth and Development, and Minister of Acadian Affairs and Francophonie, visited Bergen’s city hall were they met up with representatives from the One Ocean partnership. The group emphasized the growing importance of Canadian–Norwegian cooperation – particularly within ocean industries, energy, and defense.
Bergen’s Mayor Marit Warncke opened the meeting by welcoming the Canadian guests and underscoring the long-standing relationship between Norway and Canada, especially in fisheries, aquaculture, and energy. With Bergen’s 300,000 residents and an additional 45,000 students, many specializing in marine- and ocean-related studies, Warncke stressed that competent people are the key resource for future growth.
Strong parallels between the two countries
Minister LeBlanc highlighted strong parallels between Nova Scotia and Western Norway – Atlantic coastlines, ocean-based industries, and major defense responsibilities. Halifax, he noted, hosts roughly 40% of Canada’s national military assets, making the province central to Canada’s defense strategy.
A key topic was Canada’s offshore wind ambitions. Nova Scotia is currently advancing what LeBlanc described as one of the most promising offshore wind developments in North America. “Up to 60 gigawatts of potential offshore energy production, with active calls already underway for the first five gigawatts. Learning from Norway’s offshore expertise,» says LeBlanc, «is crucial to transforming the region’s future energy economy.»
Canada also expressed strong interest in the ongoing German–Norwegian submarine program, as Nova Scotia is set to become a host region for Canada’s Atlantic submarine support infrastructure. With Canada increasing its defense spending to meet NATO targets, LeBlanc pointed to “major growth, major opportunities, and a major need for skilled workers.”
Throughout the visit, one tone remained – in a time marked by geopolitical uncertainty, climate challenges, and rapid transformation in ocean industries, Canada and Norway see cooperation not just as beneficial, but essential.
«We are really happy to be here,” expressed LeBlanc., “Cooperation is more important now than it has been for a long time.”
Bergen Strengthens Its Position as Norway’s Ocean Capital
During the meeting, the Vestland County Mayor Jon Askeland, highlighted that Norway is six parts sea and one part land, and although Oslo is the nation’s political capital, Bergen considers itself, in the mayor’s words, «undoubtedly the sea and ocean capital of Norway.” This status is reflected in the region’s role in national defense, maritime innovation and international cooperation.
He also pointed to the citys strategic naval significance, «The city is home to Norway’s submarine fleet and maintains close ties to Germany through the procurement and servicing of new submarines.»
«We share the North Sea with you. This gives us both opportunities and common responsibilities in challenging times,» said Askeland.
At the One Ocean Week, Bergen becomes a melting pot for discussions about not just capturing the potential of the sea in terms of food, energy and defense. It is also about what kind of governance is needed, and how different countries can come together to make practices sustainable, valuable and functional in the long-run.
