PMs agree new push on Barbados–Canada partnership in Toronto talks

Prime Minister Mia Mottley and Canadian counterpart Mark Carnet have wrapped up a series of bilateral talks in Toronto with a commitment to deepen economic and strategic ties between Barbados and Canada. 

The discussions, framed as an effort to revitalise a long-standing relationship, centred on expanding cooperation in areas including the creative arts, skills development innovation, climate resilience, maritime research, quantum computing, professional mobility and energy security.

Carney underscored the significance of the partnership and praised Mottley’s international role, describing her as a “leader for tomorrow”. He also highlighted the importance of joint action on climate change, adaptation, resilience, climate finance and mitigation, while praising Barbados’ commitment to achieving 100 per cent clean energy.

A statement from the Prime Minister’s Office said Mottley’s visit was intended to refocus relations by identifying practical measures to make it “easier and better for Barbadians and Canadians to continue to work together”.

A key focus of the visit was strengthening engagement with Canadian companies operating in Barbados, with logistics and the film industry identified as emerging areas for collaboration. The leaders also addressed professional mobility, agreeing to work towards frameworks that would enable professionals to move more freely between the two countries while maintaining regulatory standards.

Mottley pointed to a recent memorandum of understanding with the University of Waterloo on quantum computing, as well as the use of a regulatory sandbox to test new technologies before market entry. She emphasised that Barbados would continue to uphold strong ethical and safety standards.

Maritime research also featured prominently in the talks, with the delegation seeking to combine Canada’s extensive coastline with Barbados’ position as a “large ocean state”. Mottley proposed the establishment of a joint research hub involving universities from both countries to address ocean-related challenges.

With both nations exposed to climate-related risks, the talks also examined the issue of insurance affordability. Mottley stressed that access to insurance and financing is critical for economic stability, particularly within the tourism sector, where investment is needed to upgrade infrastructure and safeguard employment.

Just days after opening the island’s offshore oil and gas fields for exploration, Mottley reaffirmed the goal of transitioning to 100 per cent clean energy. While acknowledging the urgency of global energy transition, Mottley said there must be a “safe and practical pathway” as countries contend with rising costs and unequal access to climate finance.

The engagements concluded with a shared commitment to translate historical ties into future-focused cooperation. Mottley expressed confidence that ongoing collaboration between public and private sector figures in both countries would generate meaningful opportunities.

(JB)