National

Canada, U.S., Finland take step forward on ICE Pact plan to build icebreakers

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 18 Nov, 2025 11:03 AM

Canada, the United States and Finland took a step toward building new icebreakers despite the breakdown in trade talks between Ottawa and the Trump administration.

Canada's Ambassador to the United States Kirsten Hillman joined Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Finland's Minister of Economic Affairs Sakari Puisto to sign a joint statement of intent in Washington today to strengthen industrial co-operation and bolster the countries' icebreaker fleets.

The statement says U.S. President Donald Trump still has support for the Icebreaker Collaboration Effort, known as the ICE Pact, which was signed under President Joe Biden.

The bilateral relationship between Canada and the United States has been in turmoil and Trump previously dismissed Canada's role in building icebreakers.

Trump called off trade negotiations with Ottawa in October, citing an Ontario-funded advertisement quoting former president Ronald Reagan criticizing tariffs.

Noem says Canada has made good progress on securing its border with the United States but she did not say whether it would be enough to lift Trump's tariffs.

Picture Courtesy: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

2 dozen tires slashed in Nanaimo

A man has been arrested in connection to dozens of tires being slashed overnight in two Nanaimo parking lots. R-C-M-P say officers located 20 vehicles with their tires slashed in a parking lot in the 200 block of Franklyn Street, while another three vehicles with slashed tires were found a short time later in the 300 block of Selby Street.

2 dozen tires slashed in Nanaimo

Canada's privacy commissioner opens investigation into World Anti-Doping Agency

The federal privacy watchdog has opened an investigation into the World Anti-Doping Agency's handling of biological samples collected from athletes. The office of privacy commissioner Philippe Dufresne says the investigation will examine whether the collection, use and disclosure practices of the organization respect Canada's personal information law for the private sector.

Canada's privacy commissioner opens investigation into World Anti-Doping Agency

Union says it will challenge Ottawa's intervention in B.C. port work stoppages

The union representing locked-out port workers in British Columbia says it plans to challenge the federal government's intervention in the ongoing labour dispute. The International Longshore and Warehouse Union Ship & Dock Foremen Local 514 called the government's move an insult to the union and to workers' bargaining rights.

Union says it will challenge Ottawa's intervention in B.C. port work stoppages

B.C. teen with bird flu is in critical care, infection source unknown: health officer

The teenager who tested positive for bird flu in British Columbia is in critical condition and being treated at B.C. Children's Hospital, the provincial health officer says. Dr. Bonnie Henry said Tuesday contact tracing being conducted has not identified anyone else linked to the case of the teen who has fallen ill.

B.C. teen with bird flu is in critical care, infection source unknown: health officer

Drugs disguised as dog treats seized by Metro Vancouver Transit Police

Two people have been charged after a Metro Vancouver Transit Police investigation turned up guns and illicit drugs, including fentanyl disguised as dog treats. Police say they began investigating an alleged drug trafficking operation based in Surrey, B.C., last spring, leading to the arrest of a man and a woman from the area.

Drugs disguised as dog treats seized by Metro Vancouver Transit Police

Skateboarder hurt in hit and run

Police on Vancouver Island are appealing for witnesses after a 60-year-old skateboarder was hurt in a hit-and-run on Remembrance Day. Mounties say it happened along Comox Road near Scott Road, outside Courtenay.