Science Diplomacy Series: UK, Canada and Emerging Technology

Science Diplomacy Video Series

UK, Canada & Emerging Technology

Our #ScienceDiplomacy video series explores how scientific researchers and academics from the UK and Canada are collaborating to address some of the world’s biggest challenges.

Emerging technologies in various scientific and technical disciplines are being developed at incredible speed around the world. These technologies have the potential to solve some of the world’s biggest challenges. In the UK, advanced computing capabilities are becoming essential to biology, chemistry, physics, and nearly every other area of research by helping to model the effects of climate change, power the discovery of new drugs and model future pandemics.

When it comes to the advancement of emerging technologies, science diplomacy plays a vital role. International collaboration between countries like the UK and Canada continues to enhance scientific knowledge and capabilities worldwide. It also helps to ensure that technology is being used as a force for digital good, brings together leading experts to turbocharge development, and considers the policy challenges such technology can bring like privacy and protecting research from others who may wish to obtain them.

In the final video of our #ScienceDiplomacy series you will hear from:

  • Dr. Joel Martin: National Research Council of Canada’s Chief Digital Research Officer and Chief Science Officer
  • Iain Stewart: President of the National Research Council of Canada
  • Professor Carole Mundell: President of the Science Council & Professor of Extragalactic Astronomy at the University of Bath

The three experts discuss the importance of UK and Canada collaboration in areas like artificial intelligence and quantum computing. 

DID YOU KNOW?

→ The UK-Canada have the first industry led partnership between any two countries to develop quantum technologies, with research expected to impact significantly on healthcare, secure communications, defence, computing and financial services.

→ In 2017, the UK and Canada pledged to work together to develop emerging technologies, signing an ambitious science and innovation agreement covering multiple sectors valid for a period of ten years.

Dr. Joel Martin

Dr. Joel Martin is the NRC’s Chief Digital Research Officer and Chief Science Officer. He holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science, Machine Learning, from the Georgia Institute of Technology and completed post‑doctoral studies at the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Martin has received awards for exceptional leadership and for innovative approaches to technology transfer. He has published dozens of peer-reviewed research articles and taught Computer Science courses at both the University of Ottawa and Carleton University.

Iain Stewart

In August 2016, Iain Stewart was appointed the 12th President of the National Research Council of Canada. His current term extends to September 2025. Prior to joining the NRC, Mr. Stewart was Associate Secretary of the Treasury Board Secretariat, and Assistant Deputy Minister, Policy, at the Department of Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED). At ISED, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, and as Assistant Vice‑President of Research at Dalhousie University, Mr. Stewart has held a range of executive positions focused on supporting business innovation and university research.

Professor Carole Mundell

Professor Carole Mundell was the Chief International Science Envoy at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office from January to October 2021. Previously Professor Mundell was Chief Scientific Adviser at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office. She is Professor of Extragalactic Astronomy at the University of Bath where she holds the Hiroko Sherwin Chair in Extragalactic Astronomy, and a Fellow of the Institute of Physics and President of the Science Council.


Science Diplomacy Series: UK, Canada and Global Health

Science Diplomacy Video Series

UK, Canada & Global Health

Our #ScienceDiplomacy video series explores how scientific researchers and academics from the UK and Canada are collaborating to address some of the world’s biggest challenges.

The COVID-19 pandemic presented new and growing challenges that underscored the importance of international collaboration.

Scientific experts from the UK and Canada have been engaging in science diplomacy to better understand and respond to COVID-19. Keeping each other informed about the evolving virus by sharing scientific data and updates.

In this video you will hear from:

  • Professor Sharon Peacock: Microbiologist and Professor of Public Health and Microbiology the University of Cambridge
  • Dr. Mona Nemer: Canada’s Chief Science Advisor
  • Professor Carole Mundell: President of the Science Council & Professor of Extragalactic Astronomy at the University of Bath

The three experts share why scientific collaboration between our two countries and the international community is crucial in responding to global health threats like the pandemic.

DID YOU KNOW?

→ UK-Canada joint work on AI analysis of genomics datasets prior to the pandemic ensured we were able to rapidly step-up expert level collaboration on variants of concern when COVID struck.

→ Partnerships such as the Canadian COVID Genomics Network and the COVID-19 Genomics UK Consortium have been crucial in inform understanding of the virus.

→ Researchers from Simon Fraser University and LSE worked together with other countries to study the impact of COVID-19 on women’s health, social and economic welfare.

Sharon Peacock, CBE FMedSci MRCP

Sharon Jayne Peacock CBE FMedSci MRCP is a British microbiologist who is Professor of Public Health and Microbiology in the Department of Medicine at the University of Cambridge. She is known for her work on the use of microbial whole genome sequencing in diagnostic and public health microbiology, particularly on the bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei and on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

Dr. Mona Nemer, C.M., C.Q., FRSC

Before becoming the Chief Science Advisor, Dr. Nemer was Professor and Vice-President of Research at the University of Ottawa and Director of the school’s Molecular Genetics and Cardiac Regeneration Laboratory. She holds a PhD in Chemistry from McGill University and did post-doctoral training in molecular biology at the Institut de Recherche Clinique de Montréal and Columbia University.

Professor Carole Mundell

Professor Carole Mundell was the Chief International Science Envoy at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office from January to October 2021. Previously Professor Mundell was Chief Scientific Adviser at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office. She is Professor of Extragalactic Astronomy at the University of Bath where she holds the Hiroko Sherwin Chair in Extragalactic Astronomy, and a Fellow of the Institute of Physics and President of the Science Council.


Science Diplomacy Series: UK-Canada Climate Action

UK-Canada Climate Change Collaboration

Science Diplomacy in Action

What is Science Diplomacy?— From Climate Change to Global Pandemics, Energy Supply Chains to Quantum Technology the world is facing unprecedented changes on a scale never before seen in history. Science lies at the heart of this change, whether it be overcoming threats to our global population or unlocking opportunities to advance technology and boost economic growth. The UK and Canada are at the forefront. Our researchers and academics have led the way collaborating on vaccine research, hydrogen fuel standards and much more. Together we are stronger. Our shared research leads to a better world for us all. This is science diplomacy.

In this 3-part video series, we explore how the UK and Canada are working together in areas like climate change, global health, and tech & AI.

Below Professor Carole Mundell (Extragalactic Astronomy at the University of Bath) and Dr. Mona Nemer (Canada’s Chief Science Advisor) share how the UK and Canada are tackling one of the biggest threats to our generation– climate change.

DID YOU KNOW?

→ The UK and Canada have a history of working closely to tackle climate change and this accelerated in the lead up to COP26, hosted by the UK.

→ Our two countries have a strong foundation of international collaboration on climate change, with the establishment of the Powering Past Coal Alliance in 2017. This alliance now has 96 national and sub-national governments working to phase out coal and support clean power, a key objective of the COP26 climate conference.

→ The UK and Canada are also working to accelerate zero emission vehicle uptake and technologies, supporting developing countries with climate adaptation finance and have committed to halt and reverse deforestation by 2030.

→ There is a unique £8m partnership between the UK and Canadian Governments together with the ITK (Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami), and the Government of Québec to study impacts of  changing climate in coastal and near-shore marine environments in Inuit Nunangat.

Dr. Mona Nemer, C.M., C.Q., FRSC

Before becoming the Chief Science Advisor, Dr. Nemer was Professor and Vice-President of Research at the University of Ottawa and Director of the school’s Molecular Genetics and Cardiac Regeneration Laboratory. She holds a PhD in Chemistry from McGill University and did post-doctoral training in molecular biology at the Institut de Recherche Clinique de Montréal and Columbia University.

Professor Carole Mundell

Professor Carole Mundell was the Chief International Science Envoy at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office from January to October 2021. Previously Professor Mundell was Chief Scientific Adviser at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office. She is Professor of Extragalactic Astronomy at the University of Bath where she holds the Hiroko Sherwin Chair in Extragalactic Astronomy, and a Fellow of the Institute of Physics.


Décarboner l’industrie maritime

« Décarboner l’industrie maritime »

Hugo Azin et Clémence Tissot partagent leur expérience de participation au Concours Étudiants qui s’est tenu sur HMS Protector en juin 2022.

Au début de cette année, le Consulat général britannique à Montréal a invité des équipes universitaires du Québec à participer à un concours de trois mois afin de trouver la meilleure solution étudiante pour décarboner l’industrie maritime avec l’hydrogène.

Le concours a permis aux étudiants de développer leurs compétences et leur expertise dans le secteur des carburants à base d’hydrogène et de fournir des solutions transformationnelles à un problème mondial complexe.

Le 10 juin, les équipes finalistes ont été invités à bord du HMS Protector pour présenter leurs projets à un comité d’évaluation. Le comité comprenait les membres suivants :  Marie Lapointe (Hydrogène Québec), Pierre Bénard (Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières), Kathy Baig (Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec) et la capitaine M K Ingham (HMS PROTECTOR).

Après de longues délibérations, les panelistes ont annoncé  l’équipe de l’Université McGill comme gagnante du Concours étudiant 2022. Plus tard cette année, ils se rendront au Royaume-Uni dans le cadre de leur prix.

L’équipe en deuxième rang a eu l’opportunité, de passer la journée à bord du HMS Protector alors qu’il se rendait de Montréal à Québec. Ils partagent leur expérience dans le blogue ci-dessous.

Concours étudiant

Dans le cadre du concours étudiant du consulat de Grande Bretagne à Montréal : « Décarboner l’industrie maritime », nous avons proposé une solution innovante pour décarboner le brise-glace HMS Protector, un navire de recherche scientifique britannique. Notre solution consiste au remplacement
des moteurs fonctionnant au diesel par des piles à combustible fonctionnant à l’hydrogène. Cependant l’hydrogène ne permet pas au navire d’avoir autant d’autonomie qu’avec du diesel pour un même volume de stockage. Pour surmonter cette contrainte, nous avons donc proposé d’ajouter des panneaux solaires ainsi qu’une voile de kit surf pour non seulement produire de l’hydrogène directement sur le bateau lorsque les panneaux solaires fonctionnent mais également aider à la traction du bateau, réduisant ainsi, la consommation d’hydrogène.

Au cours de cette étude, nous nous sommes rendus compte que pour décarboner efficacement l’industrie maritime il sera nécessaire de repenser notre façon de concevoir les navires mais aussi tout notre modèle de société. Décarboner nos activités passera aussi et surtout par moins consommer.

De Montréal à Québec

A la suite de notre présentation, nous avons eu la chance d’être invité à rejoindre l’équipe du HMS Protector pour naviguer plus de 10h sur le Saint Laurent de Montréal vers Québec. Nous avons pu rejoindre le navire vers 7h30 du matin et suivre le briefing avec l’ensemble des officiers, du commandant et de la capitaine. Lorsque nous avons quitté le port, nous étions dans la salle de commande du navire, nous avons pu profiter de la vue sur Montréal et nous rendre compte de l’expertise nécessaire pour maitriser un navire aussi grand. Tout au long de la journée, nous avons pu découvrir le rôle des différents membres de l’équipage. Nous avons notamment pu visiter la section ingénierie du bateau, située dans le fond du bateau. Elle est composée d’un système de commande, de moteurs et autres machines, permettant d’alimenter le bateau en énergie, que ce soit en électricité ou en chaleur.

Avec le voyage sur le navire, notre journée à bord et notre arrivée sur le port de Québec, nous avons pu faire la connaissance de nombreux marins, qui nous ont partagé leur quotidien, et montré leur passion pour leur travail au sein de la Royal Army. Un grand merci à eux, et à l’ambassade pour cette expérience inoubliable !

Clémence Tissot

Clémence réalise son stage de fin d’étude à l’IREQ en partenariat avec l’UCAQ afin de valider son double diplôme en génie électrique à Heriot Watt en Ecosse et à l’ENSEM en France. Elle a réalisé plusieurs expériences dans le domaine du génie électrique et des énergies renouvelables, chez EDF en France ou encore dans l’équipe de recherche NEI dans le Yukon, qui cherchait à intégrer une plus grande part d’énergies renouvelables dans les réseaux isolés du nord du Canada. Aujourd’hui, Elle travaille sur l’optimisation des modèles mathématiques des appareils électriques haute tension au centre de recherche d’HydroQuébec et rejoindra bientôt les équipes de RTE en France.

Hugo Azin

Hugo est étudiant à l’ÉTS, en double diplôme avec son école d’ingénieur en France, l’ENSEM, une école spécialisée dans l’énergie. Actuellement, il est en maîtrise énergies renouvelables et trouve du sens dans son travail, en agissant pour accélérer la transition énergétique. Il a déjà réalisé plusieurs projets dans ce domaine comme la création d’un méthaniseur, un plan d’installation de bornes de recharges pour voitures électriques ou encore l’élaboration de stratégies énergétiques dans le cabinet de conseil Greenflex à Paris. Aujourd’hui il travaille sur son mémoire de recherche en lien avec la décarbonation de l’industrie minière à l’aide de l’hydrogène vert.


Greening the Maritime Industry with Hydrogen

Greening the Maritime Industry with Hydrogen

Hugo Azin and Clémence Tissot share their experience participating in the Student Competition held on HMS Protector in June 2022.

Earlier this year, the British Consulate in Montreal invited university teams from Quebec to participate in a three-month competition to find the best student-developed solution to greening the shipping industry with hydrogen.

The competition gave students the opportunity to develop their skills and expertise in hydrogen-based fuels and provide transformational solutions for a complex global issue.

On 10 June, finalists were invited aboard HMS Protector to pitch their concepts to a panel of judges. This panel included Marie Lapointe (Hydrogène Québec), Pierre Bénard (Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières), Kathy Baig (Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec) and Captain M K Ingham (HMS PROTECTOR).

After much deliberation, judges named the team from McGill University winners of the 2022 Student Competition. Later this year, they will head to the UK as part of their prize.

The runners up were granted the opportunity to spend the day aboard HMS Protector as she travelled from Montreal to Quebec City. They share their experience in the blog below.

THE COMPETITION

As part of the British Consulate’s 2022 Student Competition “Greening the Maritime Industry with Hydrogen”, we proposed an innovative solution to decarbonise HMS Protector. Our idea was to replace its diesel engines with hydrogen fuel cells. We recognize that hydrogen would not provide the ship with as much autonomy as diesel for the same storage volume. To overcome this constraint, we therefore proposed to increase hydrogen production aboard using solar panels while a giant surf sail kite in order to help with the ship’s mechanical traction while reducing the consumption of hydrogen.

During the course of this competition, we realized that in order to effectively decarbonise the maritime industry, we would not only have to rethink the way we design ships but also how we exist in society. Above all, decarbonising activities involve consuming less as a whole.

MONTREAL TO QUEBEC CITY ON HMS PROTECTOR

Following our presentation, we were invited to join HMS Protector for her journey on the St Lawrence River from Montreal to Quebec City. We boarded the ship in the early hours of the morning, heading straight to the bridge where we were able listen to the Captain’s brief.  From the bridge, we saw great views of Montreal as we departed and an inside look at the expertise needed to operate such a large ship.

Throughout the day, we had the opportunity to learn about different crewmembers and their roles. Most interesting to us was a visit to the engineering and machinery rooms of the ship. The rooms consisted of a control system, engines and other machines, which supply the boat with energy (either electricity or heat).

It was a pleasure to spend a day aboard HMS Protector learning about the ship and the British Royal Navy. Many thanks to the Captain and crew, and to the British High Commission for this unforgettable experience!

Clémence Tissot

Clémence is doing her end-of-study internship at Hydro-Quebec’s Research Centre (IREQ) in partnership with the Université du Québec à Chicoutimi in order to validate her double degree in electrical engineering at Heriot Watt in Scotland and ENSEM in France. She has carried out several projects in the field of electrical engineering and renewable energies, including with EDF in France and with Northern Energy Innovation research team in Yukon, where she sought to integrate a greater share of renewable energies into the grid in isolated networks of northern Canada. Today, she works on optimization of mathematical models of high-voltage electrical devices at IREQ and will soon join the RTE team in France.

Hugo Azin

Hugo is a student at ÉTS Montreal, doing a double degree with his engineering school in France, ENSEM, a school specialised in energy. He is currently doing a master’s degree in renewable energies and finds meaning in his work, acting to accelerate the energy transition. He has already carried out several projects in this field, such as the creation of a methanizer, a plan to install charging stations for electric cars and a project to charging stations for electric cars or the development of energy strategies in the consulting firm Greenflex in Paris. He is currently  working on his research paper on the decarbonisation of the mining industry using green hydrogen.


Protector in Halifax

Protector in Halifax

We've reached the final stop of our #ProtectorInCanada Tour.

After stops in Montreal, Quebec City and Sydney, HMS Protector reached the final stop of her tour: Halifax.

We share some of our favourite moments from #ProtectorInHalifax below:

WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP PANEL

DID YOU KNOW?
Captain Milly is the first female captain to command one of the Navy’s ships.

For this reason, it was only fitting we host a ‘Women in Leadership Panel’ aboard HMS Protector.

Local industry leaders and crew from HMS Protector and HMCS Margaret Brooke were invited to ask panellists about their experience as women in the fields of defence and diplomacy.

High Commissioner Susannah Goshko moderated the discussion as Captain Milly, Captain Nicole Robichaud (Royal Canadian Navy Commander) and Captain Lara Barrett (Canada Coast Guard) shared their inspiring insights.

VIP RECEPTION

The rain and clouds cleared just in time for another VIP Reception (all too similar to our experience in Montreal). Local government officials, members of the Canadian armed forces and several local partners joined us on board for great conversation and more delicious food and drink.  The Second Sea Lord, Vice Admiral Martin Connell CBE was present as well.

Huge thank you to Ultra and QinetiQ  for sponsoring the reception – two British-based defence companies that have established strong roots in Nova Scotia.

CAPTAIN FOR A DAY

On 30 June, HMS Protector welcomed a new Commanding Officer on board: 13-year-old Captain Brynn Forness from Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan – the winner of our Captain for a Day competition!

Captain Brynn and her family enjoyed a full day of activities aboard the ship. See what Captain Brynn got up to in the video.

ROYAL NOVA SCOTIA INTERNATIONAL TATTOO

We were thrilled to receive a special invitation to attend the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo in Halifax. From drums and pipes to ‘Flying Grandpas’, it was an incredible performance and a huge honour to have ‘Captain’ Brynn, Captain Milly and Brigadier Doug Gibson take the salute at the end of the show.

APPRECIATION BBQ 

On Canada Day we treated Captain Milly and her crew, along with some of our Canadian partners, to a good  ol’ fashioned BBQ – a small token of our appreciation for the hard work put into the Protector In Canada Tour.

Over the last 3 weeks, the crew of HMS Protector has been nothing short of amazing. We are so grateful for all they have done.

Special thanks to Chef Jarrah for the wonderful meal.

THANK YOU

As we wrap up the #ProtectorInCanada tour, we want to wish HMS Protector a safe journey onto her next adventure and say thank you.

Thank you to everyone involved with the tour: Captain Milly and her crew, our friends at Canadian Coast Guard and the Royal Canadian Navy, our sponsors (Rolls Royce, Britishvolt, QinteQ and Ultra) and to the amazing cities and towns who warmly welcomed HMS Protector to their ports.  

The last several weeks have been incredible! 


Protector in Sydney

Protector in Sydney

From Quebec to Nova Scotia. First stop, Sydney.

HMS Protector arrived in Sydney, Nova Scotia on Tuesday, 21 June after a 3-day journey down the St. Lawrence and into the Atlantic Ocean.

Before departing Quebec City, Ottawa based multidisciplinary artist Gayle Uyagaqi Kabloona hopped on board the ship to assume her role as Artist in Residence.

Gayle is known for her intimate block prints and ceramics with striking graphics exploring imagery inspired by Inuit community, stories, and culture. She was commissioned by the British High Commission to create a few pieces inspired by HMS Protector as the ship tours Canada.

We’ll be sharing more about our Artist in Residence in a later blog. For now, check out the piece Gayle created as a thank you to the Captain and her crew. We love the story behind it.

AN MOU IN ACTION

The stop in Sydney was a special one. It allowed us to see the 2021 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Royal Navy and Canadian Coast Guard in action.

About the MOU

The MOU follows an initiative in early 2020 that saw watch keeping officers from HMS Protector gain valuable experience in ice operations aboard a Canadian Coast Guard vessel. It is a collaborative agreement in which mariners from both countries agree to coordinate on operational training and navigational expertise through the icy waters of the Arctic.

Joint Training

Royal Navy and Canadian Coast Guard crew took part in joint operational training on 22 June at the Canadian Coast Guard College. This is the first time that mariners from both countries have taken part in engagement and training exercises aimed at preparing crews to navigate Canada’s waters.

Crew from HMS Protector took part in interactive sessions using the College’s state-of-the-art training simulators. This included a marine navigation simulator that provides crew with training on safe navigation and icebreaking manoeuvres.

Afterwards, students from the Canadian Coast Guard College headed to the Port of Sydney for a tour of HMS Protector. The students learned about the ice patrol ship, her capabilities and the many technologies on board.

SOME FUN

Captain Milly and her crew were treated to a BBQ and friendly football (aka soccer) game with members from the Canadian Coast Guard College.

A couple of nights prior, HMS Protector welcomed officials from the Canadian Coast Guard and its college aboard the ship with another special reception.

On to the final stop…

After a great time spent with the Canadian Coast Guard in Sydney, HMS Protector departed for her final Canadian stop.

Check out our next blog to learn about the ship’s visit in Halifax. 


Protector in Quebec City

Protector in Quebec City

After a wonderful few days in Montreal, HMS Protector set sail for Quebec City.

The ship arrived at the Port of Quebec on Monday, 13 June ready for another action packed few days!

Fun Fact: The Port of Quebec is the oldest port in Canada. It is considered one of the most important ports of the 19th century, playing a major role in the development of Canada!

We share some of our favourite moments from #ProtectorInQuebec below:

STUDENT TOURS

The students of St Foy Elementary School were treated to sunny weather for their tour of HMS Protector. Once again, the crew delivered a fun and engaging experience for the kids teaching them about the ship’s capabilities and the equipment aboard.

IN THE NEWS!

We invited local media aboard HMS Protector to learn more about this Royal Navy ice patrol ship and the reason for her visit to Canada. Our High Commissioner had the opportunity to speak about the significance of the visit and share some of the ship’s capabilities (in French, might we add!) Watch her interview with Noovo Info here and her interview with Le Soleil here.

VIP RECEPTION

HMS Protector acted as the venue for another special reception, this time hosting local government officials, members of the scientific community and key partners in Quebec City. Huge thank you to British Volt UK for sponsoring the reception and HMS Protector’s wonderful catering crew for the delicious food.  

AN EVENT CELEBRATING ARCTIC RESEARCH & COLLABORATION 

On Wednesday 15 June, the UKinCanada team hosted an event to highlight and celebrate UK-Canada science and research collaboration in the Arctic at Le Café du Monde. The event included presentations and a panel exploring future work in the Arctic. Over 50 people attended the event including members from the scientific community and government officials. After a series of engaging discussions, the delegation headed to HMS Protector for ship tours and an aboard reception. Special thank you to UKRI, Fonds de recherche de Quebec, ITK Canada and the National Research Council of Canada for their contribution to the event. 

Did You Know: Over 70 UK-based universities and research centres contribute to Arctic research

MORE NOTABLE MOMENTS

Captain Milly Ingham met His Honourable J Michel Doyon, Lieutenant Governor of Quebec.  

Envoy for Climate Change, Northern and Arctic Affairs for the Government of Quebec, Jean Lemire was welcomed into the ship’s bridge to talk climate change and UK-Canada collaboration with High Commissioner Susannah Goshko, Captain Milly Ingham and the Consul-General in Montreal Chloe Adams.  

Au Revoir Quebec

On Saturday 18 June, she left Quebec City for her next stop: Sydney, Nova Scotia!  


Make sure you check out our next blog to learn more about HMS Protector’s journey in Canada.


Protector in Montreal

Protector in Montreal

HMS Protector arrived in Montreal on Wednesday, 8 June, officially kicking off the #ProtectorInCanada tour.

As part of the UK’s commitment to the Arctic region, HMS Protector arrived in Canada last Wednesday.

This is the first time that HMS Protector visits Canada. During the ship’s deployment, HMS Protector will:

  • exchange polar expertise with Canadian counterparts;
  • collaborate on science and technology; and
  • take part in joint operational training.

Along the way, the vessel is making several stops in Eastern Canada. The first of which just wrapped up in Montreal!

Here are some of the highlights from the first leg of #ProtectorInCanada:

WELCOME TO CANADA!

HMS Protector arrived at the Port of Montreal bright and early on Wednesday 8 June. British High Commissioner to Canada Susannah Goshko was ceremonially piped onboard and welcomed by Captain Milly Ingham and crew. It was officially the start of the ‘Protector in Canada tour for this Royal Navy Ice Patrol Ship.

Later that day, Consul-General to Montreal Chloe Adams, accompanied Captain Ingham to Montreal’s City Hall to meet and greet with city officials.  

STUDENT DAY ON BOARD HMS PROTECTOR

Thursday, 9 June was a rainy one, but that didn’t stop elementary students from joining the crew on board HMS Protector for tours of the ship.

The kids were thrilled to learn about the ship’s gadgets and state of the art scientific equipment, as well as what it’s like to serve in the Royal Navy!  

In the afternoon, Mad Science joined us for a science demonstration in the ship’s dining hall. The 5th graders from Akiva School were mesmerised by the dry ice experiments.

The next day, HMS Protector crew welcomed even more students on board! This time from St. Gabriel Elementary School.

VIP RECEPTION

Believe it or not, HMS Protector makes for a fabulous reception venue!

The crew were delighted to welcome partners from the Canadian Coast Guard, Royal Canadian Navy and Canadian Armed Forces – as well as other guests from Montreal and surrounding areas –  aboard HMS Protector for a VIP reception. 

Guests were treated to UK Gin cocktails, British cheese and even mini beef wellingtons. Special shout out to HMS Protector Chef Abbie Docchar for her beautiful flag cake!  

STUDENT COMPETITION

On Friday, the British Consulate in Montreal hosted a student competition in the ship’s hall. 

‘Greening the Shipping Industry with #Hydrogen’ was a three-month competition to find the best student-led solution for developing the industry in an environmentally sustainable way. It was an opportunity for students to develop their skills and expertise and come up with solutions for a complex and urgent global issue.

Congratulations to the team from McGill university! They will be heading to the UK later this year as part of their prize.  

UK/CANADA COLLABORATION

While in Montreal, the ship proved to be a great venue space.

HMS Protector hosted:

  • Collaborative discussions between UK/Canadian counterparts like Dr Jaspinder Komal ADM Defence Research and Development and Dame Angela McLean UK Defence Chief Scientific Adviser
  • A roundtable discussion focusing on clean energy, clean tech and green services and skills.
  • An award ceremony for UKinCanada team member, Luke Parker, who was presented an award for ‘ground-breaking and capability defining effect within defence’ by Dame Angela McLean. Congrats Luke!

 

Au Revoir Montreal

The ship was open for public tours on Saturday, inviting all of Montreal to come aboard before preparing the ship for departure on Sunday.  

On Monday 13 June she set sail for her next stop: Quebec City!

Make sure you check out our next blog as HMS Protector makes her way along the St. Lawrence. 


UK and the Arctic

UK IN THE ARCTIC

The UK and Canada have a strategic interest in joint cooperation in the Arctic.

Last year the Royal Navy and Canadian Coast Guard signed a Memorandum of Understanding in which both countries agreed to operational and training experience navigating ships in frozen conditions.

The UK has strong relationships with Arctic States and has a responsibility to support our allies and partners to preserve the stability and security of the region, including as the leading European NATO Ally.

The UK is committed to the collective defence of NATO Allies, which includes those with territory in the Arctic.