Canada is set to open its first diplomatic outpost in Greenland in a significant show of solidarity following US President Donald Trump’s threats to take control of the territory.
A delegation of senior Canadian officials, including Governor General Mary Simon, and foreign minister Anita Anand, are travelling to Nuuk on Friday to formally open Canada’s consulate, accompanied by a Canadian Coast Guard ship.
Ahead of the trip, Simon said in a speech that Canada “stands firmly in support of the people of Greenland who will determine their own future”.
Their visit comes amid a similar trip made by French officials, who are due to open their own consulate in the territory the same day.
The Canadian and French missions are a historic expansion of foreign engagement in Greenland. Until this week, only Iceland and the US had formal diplomatic consulates in Nuuk.
It is also a signal of the continued support offered by Nato allies to Greenland, after Trump repeatedly stated that the US needs to “own” it for national security reasons.
The president has since walked his comments back, saying he is now exploring a potential deal after talks with Denmark, European allies and Canada.
Greenland has been on Canada’s radar for some time. The consulate was first announced in early 2024, when Ottawa reviewed its Arctic foreign policy. The opening had been slated for late 2025, but that was delayed due to bad weather.
By Anthony Solly
