Canada and Barbados Expand Cooperation on Climate, Development and Regional Security

New Initiatives Follow Talks Between Prime Minister Mark Carney and Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley

TORONTO, ON — Canada and Barbados are strengthening their long-standing partnership following recent discussions between Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley focused on climate resilience, regional development, security, and economic cooperation.

The meeting reinforced the importance of the Canada-Barbados relationship as both countries mark 60 years of diplomatic ties and continue to work together on issues affecting the Caribbean region.

The leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to renewing the Canada-CARICOM Strategic Partnership, a framework aimed at expanding cooperation between Canada and Caribbean nations.

Climate Financing Takes Centre Stage

One of the most significant outcomes of the discussions was Canada’s commitment to deploy approximately $97 million through the GAIA Climate Loan Fund, a blended-finance platform co-created by FinDev Canada and Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG), with support from the Green Climate Fund.

The initiative is designed to attract private and philanthropic investment alongside public funding to support sustainable development projects throughout the Caribbean.

The leaders also welcomed a decision by the Caribbean Development Bank to advance a portfolio guarantee valued at approximately $277 million, helping expand financing opportunities for development projects across the region.

For Caribbean nations facing growing climate challenges, access to affordable financing remains a critical issue.

Supporting Small Island Developing States

Canada has also committed $170 million to the Clean Energy and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Resilience Facility, managed by the World Bank.

The fund supports projects aimed at:

• Expanding renewable energy
• Reducing greenhouse gas emissions
• Strengthening climate resilience
• Improving disaster preparedness

For Barbados and other Caribbean nations, climate adaptation continues to be a major priority as countries confront increasingly severe hurricanes, rising sea levels, and other impacts of climate change.

Prime Minister Mottley has emerged as one of the world’s leading advocates for climate finance reform, calling for greater international support for vulnerable developing nations.

Canada and Barbados share a dynamic trade relationship, and shared values of sustainability and inclusivity.

Prime Minister @miaamormottley and I are going to build on that foundation — by deepening our partnership across development, climate, and security, and by working to… pic.twitter.com/KxBhyaHFnz

— Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) June 4, 2026

Regional Security Remains a Priority

The leaders also discussed regional security challenges, including the ongoing situation in Haiti.

Canada announced $9 million in funding to support regional initiatives aimed at:

• Combating transnational crime
• Enhancing maritime security
• Strengthening policing capacity
• Supporting regional stability efforts

The funding is intended to complement ongoing collaboration among Caribbean governments and international partners addressing shared security concerns.

Growing Economic Opportunities

In addition to climate and security cooperation, the leaders explored opportunities to strengthen commercial and investment ties between Canada and Barbados.

Particular attention was given to Barbados’ renewable energy transition and Canada’s expertise in clean energy technologies, including battery energy storage and electricity grid integration.

Officials noted that Canadian expertise could play a role in helping Barbados achieve its long-term sustainability goals while creating new opportunities for trade and investment.

Strengthening Canada-CARICOM Relations

The discussions also highlighted the broader relationship between Canada and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

Canada has longstanding economic, cultural, and people-to-people ties with CARICOM member states, supported by vibrant Caribbean diaspora communities across the country.

For many Caribbean Canadians, particularly those with family and business connections throughout the region, the initiatives announced represent continued cooperation on issues that directly affect the Caribbean’s future development and resilience.

As Canada and Barbados deepen their partnership, both governments have signaled their intention to continue working together on climate action, economic development, regional security, and sustainable growth across the Caribbean.

Prime Minister Carney and Prime Minister Mottley agreed to remain in close contact as discussions continue on advancing shared priorities in the months ahead.

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