Carney eyeballs defence spending amid Swedish royals visit

The Swedish royal family has arrived in Ottawa, making a rare three-day trip to Rideau Hall, where they are expected to announce a new strategic partnership between the two countries.

This comes as Canada considers buying fighter jets from a Swedish company, as Prime Minister Mark Carney moves Canada’s defence dollars away from the United States.

Carney shook hands with Sweden’s Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia at Rideau Hall this afternoon.

Over the next three days, the prime minister and King are expected to lay out the plan for a strategic partnership.

Though details are sparse, the announcement comes as Canada is eyeing fighter jets made by Swedish defence manufacturer Saab.

The executive is a member of the King’s entourage for the trip, alongside the leaders of 60 other Swedish companies.

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And to sweeten the deal, the Swedish Gripen fighter jet would be made entirely in Canada – creating 10,000 jobs.

Saab says its current factory isn’t big enough to fulfil all of its orders.

Canada has ordered 88 F-35 fighter jets from the United States, but has only paid for 16 so far.

Carney paused the order and put it under review as one of his first acts as prime minister.

While critics say Canada should continue with it’s F-35 deal to keep our country’s entire fleet is on the same system.

Jane Boulden, political science professor with the Royal Military College of Canada, says making a deal with Sweden is a good political move as Carney looks to diversify trade.

“The F-35 is probably technically better, but that depends on your criteria,” Boulden said. “The other thing that the Swedish jet has to offer is that it’s actually built specifically with the North in mind in terms of conditions. It will do better in arctic conditions.”

Over the next two days, the Swedish king and queen are expected to visit Montreal and meet with more top cabinet ministers.

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