PARIS, Feb. 20, 2026 – Canada is bolstering its domestic and international economic and energy security by collaborating with allies to diversify trade, secure investments, and export its premier energy and mineral resources globally.

This week, the Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, traveled to Warsaw, Poland, and Paris, France, to further these objectives.

In Poland, Minister Hodgson advanced the Canada–Poland strategic partnership, which Prime Ministers Carney and Tusk announced in August 2025. This included promoting the potential for Poland to select Canadian technology for the construction of its second nuclear power plant, emphasizing its strong alignment with Poland’s long-term goals. The Minister also affirmed Canada’s readiness to deploy its nuclear expertise, industrial capacity, and federal support should Poland proceed with a Canadian partnership for its nuclear energy expansion.

The Minister also participated in discussions with business and government officials, exploring opportunities for new energy trade and collaboration between Canada and Poland in areas such as liquefied natural gas, hydrogen, offshore wind, and grid modernization technologies.

Subsequently, the Minister attended the International Energy Agency (IEA) Ministerial Meeting in Paris, France. There, he met with leaders from the European Union, New Zealand, Norway, Türkiye, and the United Kingdom, and chaired a critical minerals dialogue with government and industry leaders, aiming to connect French and European investors with Canadian mining investment opportunities. Referencing Canada’s 2025 G7 Presidency and its introduction of the Canada-led Critical Minerals Production Alliance, Minister Hodgson reiterated Canada’s role as a stable, reliable partner for energy and mining investment and trade.

Minister Hodgson also announced joint federal funding of up to $15 million, provided through Natural Resources Canada and the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario). This funding is intended to support Kinectrics Inc.’s proposed public-private collaboration on the promising UK Atomic Energy Authority–Eni H3AT loop tritium facility, setting the stage for a formal announcement of the collaboration with our key G7 partner in the coming weeks. This investment positions Canadian companies at the forefront of the emerging fusion supply chain and will generate new opportunities for Canadian businesses and workers.

Furthermore, Minister Hodgson participated in a dialogue on the Future of Ukraine’s Energy Security, reaffirming Canada’s unwavering support for Ukraine and highlighting Canada’s contributions to restoring power, stabilizing Ukraine’s energy systems, and countering Russia’s attacks on energy infrastructure designed to weaponize winter weather. The Minister met with Denys Shmyhal, First Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine and Minister of Energy, to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Strategic Cooperation in the Energy Sector. This MOU addresses Ukraine’s wartime energy needs while offering long-term benefits to both countries by enhancing energy infrastructure resilience against cyber and physical attacks and promoting expertise sharing in the deployment of micro-grids in rural areas.

Through these engagements, Minister Hodgson reinforced Canada’s standing as a major energy power and worked to attract new trade and investment opportunities to Canada. These efforts are expected to foster more resilient energy systems, diversify supply chains, and support quality employment and enduring prosperity for Canadians, while also contributing to global stability.

Quotes

“Canada possesses what the world seeks: dependable and ample resources; conscientious development; and an unwavering dedication to our allies, democratic principles, and multilateralism. Consequently, we are swiftly moving to enhance collaboration with new and varied international partners — not solely to bolster global energy security and competitiveness, but also to leverage our resources to generate opportunities and prosperity for Canadians domestically.”

The Honourable Tim Hodgson
Minister of Energy and Natural Resources

“Southern Ontario’s exceptional resources, manufacturers, innovators, and skilled labor force consistently distinguish our nation as a frontrunner in the clean energy economy. This investment in Kinectrics Inc. will propel advanced tritium infrastructure, which supports the secure advancement of clean fusion energy, safeguards workers and communities, and primes Ontario’s expanding nuclear sector for international triumph.”

The Honourable Evan Solomon
Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

Quick Facts

• Since Russia’s unwarranted and indefensible full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Canada has emerged as a primary advocate for Ukraine’s energy security, offering financial and technical aid and assisting in coordinating international support via the G7+ Ukraine Energy Coordination Group.
• In October 2025, Minister Hodgson formalized a Joint Declaration of Intent on Strategic Cooperation in the Energy Sector with Ukraine during the G7 Energy and Environment Ministers’ Meeting held in Toronto, Ontario.
• Canada holds a foundational membership in the International Energy Agency, an organization that collaborates closely with its member states to fortify global energy security and expedite the worldwide shift to clean energy through data, analysis, and policy guidance and remedies.
• Minister Hodgson additionally declared grants exceeding $1 million to the IEA for projects that further Canada’s key energy objectives, including regional involvement in Southeast Asia.

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SOURCE Natural Resources Canada