A New Chapter in the Canada–Ukraine Partnership
Canada-Ukraine Chamber of Commerce (CUCC) applauds the significant outcomes announced during President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s official visit to Canada and his meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney in Calgary on September 10, 2026.
The visit marked an important new chapter in Canada–Ukraine relations, with the two leaders signing the Canada–Ukraine Declaration for a 100-Year Partnership. The Declaration sets out the intention to elevate bilateral relations toward a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, built around defence innovation and cooperation, economic growth and reconstruction, and people-to-people ties. (Canada Prime Minister)
For the Canadian and Ukrainian business communities, the announcements are particularly significant. They create a stronger framework for long-term industrial cooperation, investment, technology partnerships, reconstruction and trade between the two countries.
Key Commitments Announced
Among the major initiatives announced during the visit:
Long-term Canada–Ukraine defence industrial partnership
Canada and Ukraine are establishing a long-term government-to-government partnership focused on the joint production of uncrewed systems, counter-drone technologies and priority munitions, combining Ukraine’s battlefield experience and defence innovation with Canadian manufacturing, software, technology and artificial intelligence capabilities.
The leaders also highlighted new partnerships between Canadian and Ukrainian defence companies and a broader commitment to co-development, co-production and technology cooperation. (Canada Prime Minister)
Approximately $350 million for critical air defence
Canada announced approximately $350 million to support the delivery of critical air-defence interceptors through the United States’ Joint Ukraine Multinational Program – Services, Training and Articles Rapid Timeline (JUMPSTART), helping Ukraine protect its people, communities and critical infrastructure from continued aerial attacks. (Canada Prime Minister)
Nearly $435 million to strengthen Ukraine’s energy security
Canada will provide approximately $435 million in additional loan guarantees to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) for Naftogaz, supporting Ukraine’s energy security, including winter gas purchases and measures to maintain electricity generation during shortages. (Canada Prime Minister)
$200 million through Export Development Canada for reconstruction
Canada is dedicating $200 million from a $2 billion concessional financing envelope administered by Export Development Canada (EDC) to support the reconstruction of Ukraine’s critical infrastructure.
The Government of Canada has indicated that the allocation is intended to initially support a hydroelectric infrastructure opportunity in Ukraine, opening an important avenue for Canadian expertise and companies to contribute directly to Ukraine’s reconstruction. (Canada Prime Minister)
Expanded Canada–Ukraine energy cooperation
Canada and Ukraine also committed to strengthening cooperation on energy security, resilience, recovery and reconstruction, creating opportunities for collaboration involving governments, utilities, research institutions and private-sector stakeholders.
Areas of cooperation include energy infrastructure, technological innovation, capacity building, governance and the development of secure, reliable and diversified energy systems. (Canada)
New Canada–Ukraine Critical Minerals Initiative
A new Canada–Ukraine Critical Minerals Initiative will support joint research, identify new mineral opportunities, encourage investment and contribute to the development of Ukraine’s critical minerals sector.
The initiative has the potential to connect Ukraine’s significant resource base with Canadian expertise, technology and investment while strengthening secure international supply chains. (Canada Prime Minister)
From Immediate Support to Long-Term Economic Partnership
Together, these commitments represent an important evolution in the Canada–Ukraine relationship.
While Canada remains steadfast in supporting Ukraine’s defence and immediate resilience, the new framework increasingly looks toward the future — creating the conditions for long-term industrial cooperation, investment, reconstruction, technology transfer and commercial partnerships between Canadian and Ukrainian companies.
This shift is especially important for the private sector. Ukraine’s reconstruction will require not only government assistance, but sustained engagement from businesses, investors, financial institutions, technology companies and industry leaders in both countries.
The 100-Year Partnership provides an important political foundation upon which these commercial relationships can grow.
Turning Political Commitment into Business Cooperation
For CUCC, the priorities identified during President Zelenskyy’s visit are particularly significant.
Energy, defence cooperation and critical minerals are also at the centre of the 5th Annual Rebuild Ukraine Business Conference, taking place on November 26, 2026, at The Omni King Edward Hotel in Toronto.
The conference will bring together senior representatives of the governments of Canada and Ukraine, financial institutions, investors, industry leaders and private-sector companies to explore practical opportunities for cooperation in Ukraine’s recovery, reconstruction and long-term economic development.
The agreements announced during President Zelenskyy’s visit provide important momentum for these discussions and create new opportunities to move from political commitments toward concrete projects, Canadian investment, joint ventures, technology partnerships and long-term commercial cooperation.
CUCC looks forward to continuing its work connecting Canadian and Ukrainian governments, businesses and institutions and helping companies in both countries identify opportunities to participate in this new phase of the Canada–Ukraine economic partnership.
Canada and Ukraine are not only standing together today — we are building together for the future.
