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 City Mayor Marit Warncke opened the meeting by welcoming the Canadian guests and emphasizing the long-standing relationship between Norway and Canada, particularly in the areas of fisheries, aquaculture, and energy. With Bergen's 300,000 residents and an additional 45,000 students, many of whom are studying marine and ocean-related subjects, Warncke pointed out that skilled people are the most important resource for future growth.
Strong parallels between the countries
Minister LeBlanc highlighted the strong parallels between Nova Scotia and Western Norway – long coastlines, ocean-based industries, and important defense tasks. He pointed out that Halifax, Nova Scotia, is home to around 40 percent of Canada's military capabilities, making the province central to the country'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. “The Region has 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 intended to serve as the host region for Canada's Atlantic submarine support. With increasing defense budgets to meet NATO targets, LeBlanc pointed to "significant growth, significant opportunities, and a significant need for skilled labor."
Throughout the visit, there was a recurring theme. In a time marked by geopolitical uncertainty, climate challenges, and rapid changes in maritime industries, Canada and Norway see cooperation as not only beneficial, but necessary.
"We are very happy to be here," said LeBlanc. "Cooperation is more important now than it has been for a long time.
Bergen strengthens its position as Norway's maritime capital
During the meeting, Jon Askeland, County Mayor of Vestland, emphasized that Norway consists of six parts sea and one part land, and that although Oslo is the country's political capital, Bergen considers itself – in the mayor's words – "without a doubt Norway's maritime capital." This status is reflected in the region's role in national defense, maritime innovation, and international cooperation.
Askeland also pointed out the city's strategic importance for the navy:
"The city is home to Norway's submarine fleet and has close ties to Germany through the procurement and maintenance of new submarines."
"We share the North Sea with you. This gives us both opportunities and shared responsibility in challenging times," said Askeland.
During One Ocean Week, Bergen will become a hub for discussions about more than just the ocean's potential in terms of food, energy, and defense. It will also focus on what kind of governance is needed and how different countries can work together to ensure that practices are sustainable, creating value, and functional in the long term.
