The ministers will meet Canadian and international businesses to discuss investment and industrial cooperation in defence, aerospace and advanced technologies. Their programme is also intended to improve access to overseas markets for Canadian companies.
McGuinty will hold talks with Poland’s Minister of National Defence and Deputy Prime Minister, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz. The meeting will focus on strengthening bilateral defence cooperation and expanding Canada’s industrial relationships with Poland and other NATO allies.
“Canada is strengthening its defence capabilities and the industrial base that sustains them,” McGuinty said. “As lead nation at MSPO, we are showcasing what Canadian workers, innovators and companies can deliver while deepening defence cooperation with Poland and our NATO Allies.”
The trade mission supports Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy, which seeks to expand domestic capabilities and make supply chains more resilient. The strategy also aims to deepen cooperation with allies and improve the global competitiveness of Canadian industry.
“Canada’s defence industry contributed over $11 billion to Canada’s GDP and supports 82,000 jobs,” Sidhu said. “Participating in MSPO 2026 is a chance to strengthen our defence industrial ties across Europe and showcase Canadian innovation.”
The government views closer European trade relationships as a route to new export opportunities for Canadian companies and workers. It also expects those partnerships to support stronger defence supply chains across Canada and its partner countries.
MSPO is Europe’s third-largest land-based defence and security trade show and the leading defence exhibition in Central and Eastern Europe. The 2026 edition is expected to be the largest yet, with more than 40,000 visitors, 900 exhibitors and 60 official delegations.
