CMEDIA: Jean-Yves Duclos, Canada’s Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Quebec Lieutenant, and Mélanie Joly, Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs reportedly announced today in Brussels successful negotiation of a General Security of Information Agreement (GSOIA) concerning industrial security and national defence with Poland.
“This agreement will ensure that Canada maintains the highest standards of security, while increasing information sharing and collaboration with Poland. Promoting economic prosperity and protecting sensitive information are priorities for the Government of Canada throughout all of its international operations,” Jean-Yves Duclos said.
GSOIAs are negotiated by Public Services and Procurement Canada’s Industrial Security Sector in collaboration with Global Affairs Canada and National Defence.
“The Canada-Poland relationship …our countries have enjoyed a relationship rooted in common values and a rich history…Canada and Poland work closely in multilateral forums…will bring economic and security benefits to both Canada and Poland,” Mélanie Joly said.
Committed to strengthening its relationship with partner countries and expanding economic opportunities for Canada, today’s agreement with Poland follows the signing of a GSOIA with Ukraine on December 3, 2024.
During a ceremony held in Warsaw, Poland, GSOIA was formally signed by Catherine Godin, Ambassador of Canada to Poland, and Colonel Rafał Syrysko, Head of Poland’s Internal Security Agency (ABW) in the presence of Stéphane Dion, the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy to the European Union and Europe (and Canada’s Ambassador to France and Monaco)
While contributing to strengthening bilateral relationships enabling greater levels of military cooperation and interoperability, GSOIAs also ensures the highest standards of security are maintained by Canada to protect sensitive information entrusted to contractors and governments across the world.
With a strong historical foundation rooted in the deep personal ties to Poland maintained by more than 1.1 million Polish Canadians, The Canada-Poland relationship signature of this GSOIA affirms Canada’s commitment to supporting Poland as well as democracy and democratic institutions.
GSOIA also establishes a mutual understanding of how sensitive government information must be handled and protected between both countries.
The agreement’s expected entry into force would unlock several multi-million-dollar transactions between Canada and Poland.
“A GSOIA allows security screened suppliers from both countries to access classified information or assets necessary to bid on sensitive procurements in the other country and to facilitate business opportunities for companies in industries such as defence, security, aerospace, marine, nuclear and space,” a news release said.
While contributing to the government’s priorities for industrial security and defence, GSOIAs also enables not only creation of jobs, but also to advance peace and economic prosperity by building and maintaining international relationships.
This GSOIA is the 28th bilateral security instrument (and second GSOIA) signed by Canada.
