Race for Canada’s $60 Trillion Submarine Deal Enters Final Stage
Meetings with Ontario Premier and Minister of National Defence; MOU Signed for Local Production and Joint Export of Defense Vehicles
Kang Hoon-sik Urges, “Build Canada Strong with Korea”
Discussions on Expanding Cooperation in Energy, Critical Minerals, Hydrogen, and Space
Kang Hoon-sik, Chief Presidential Secretary, visited Canada as a special envoy for strategic economic cooperation on behalf of President Lee Jae-myung, stating that “choosing Korea, the only partner with speed in procurement, quality, and reliability in delivery, can serve as a successful case for Canada’s defense procurement reform and become a new engine for economic growth.”
Kang Hoonshik, Chief of Staff to the President, is speaking at the Korea-Canada Advanced Industry Cooperation Business Roundtable on the 1st (local time). (Photo by Kang Hoonshik)
In a post on Facebook on June 2 (local time), Kang reported that he had separate meetings with Secretary of State for Defence Procurement Stephen Fuhr and Minister of National Defence David McGuinty on June 1. As the competition for Canada’s Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP)—estimated at up to 60 trillion won—is entering its final stage, Kang highlighted the procurement capabilities of Korea’s defense industry and the possibilities for industrial cooperation.
During the meetings, Kang emphasized that, amid rising global uncertainties such as the prolonged conflict in the Middle East, Korea, as a leading defense nation, is both willing and able to contribute to strengthening Canada’s security. He added that for Prime Minister Carney’s advocated “middle power solidarity” to have real meaning, Canada’s engagement in the Indo-Pacific—the “sea of the future”—is essential.
Kang noted that Minister McGuinty agreed with this perspective and suggested that both sides should continue to swiftly develop strategic approaches for realizing middle power solidarity. Kang also shared an anecdote: due to a delayed flight, he arrived at the meeting just in time, to which both ministers reassured him that “flight delays are an everyday occurrence in Canada.”
During the meeting, Kang joked, “Our submarine, currently docked on Canada’s west coast, traveled 14,000 kilometers across the Pacific without a single delay and arrived on time; next time, I’ll have to come by submarine,” subtly highlighting the long-range operational capabilities and punctuality of Korean submarines.
This visit marks Kang’s second trip to Canada since January. He shared that, as a special envoy for strategic economic cooperation, he returned to Canada and, upon arrival at Toronto Airport, first visited the Sewol Ferry Memorial Bench on the shores of Lake Ontario. Standing before the inscription “We will not forget,” left by the Korean community, Kang reflected that “the most important thing is to always remember the duty to protect the lives and safety of the people.”
The first official event was the Korea-Canada Advanced Industry Cooperation Business Roundtable. At this roundtable, Kang discussed avenues for collaboration in promising future sectors such as defense, space, and hydrogen. Representing Ontario, Minister of Energy and Mines Stephen Lecce proposed cooperation in critical minerals, nuclear power including small modular reactors (SMRs), liquefied natural gas (LNG), and crude oil. Kang relayed that Minister Lecce remarked, “As blood allies who have shed blood together, let us continue to fight side by side for the next generation as well.”
Kang stressed that combining Canada’s abundant resources and technology with Korea’s advanced manufacturing capabilities could become a model for the “middle power solidarity” championed by Prime Minister Carney. He also announced plans to continue expanding Korea’s purchases and investments in Canadian crude oil, LNG, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and critical minerals.
At the event, Kang declared, “Build Canada Strong with Korea.” The intention is to expand bilateral cooperation beyond simple trade into a strategic partnership encompassing energy security, supply chains, advanced manufacturing, and defense exports.
Kang Hoonshik, Chief Presidential Secretary, is giving a speech on the 1st (local time) during his visit to Martinrea, a leading Canadian automotive parts company. (Photo by Kang Hoonshik, Chief Presidential Secretary)
Inter-company cooperation was also materialized. Kang visited Martinrea, Canada’s leading automotive parts company, toured the site with eight CEOs, and announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for inter-company collaboration. The agreement involves combining Canadian steel and auto parts with Korean defense technology to produce defense vehicles locally in Canada and jointly export them worldwide.
During a meeting with Ontario Premier Doug Ford, cooperation on hydrogen vehicles and defense vehicles was discussed. Kang presented a vision that “through future cooperation between our two countries in the fields of hydrogen vehicles and defense vehicles, we can become global leaders.” When Premier Ford mentioned that he had visited Korea over 40 years ago with his father and brother, Kang responded by inviting him to “visit again and see how much Korea has changed.”
This visit is drawing attention as it coincides with Canada’s pursuit of a next-generation submarine program. Canada is working to secure new capabilities to replace the Victoria-class submarines set to retire in the mid-2030s, with Korean companies competing against German firms. The Korean government is focusing on persuading Canada through a package-type partnership model that combines not only submarine performance but also cooperation in defense vehicles, energy, critical minerals, and supply chains.
In the evening, Kang met with private sector CEOs and heads of public institutions who accompanied the special envoy delegation to discuss follow-up cooperation plans. He stated, “I will do my utmost to help create future growth engines for our economy and establish a stable energy supply structure that will remain resilient despite changes in the international landscape.”
This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.
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