Canada became the first NATO country to formally approve Sweden and Finland's application for membership, following the Russian aggression of Ukraine.
This was announced by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, inviting the other allies to do the same quickly.
With the signing of the accession protocols "the ratification process begins" by the NATO allies, which will soon be made up of 32 members after Finland and Sweden officially join the Alliance.
"This is a historic day for NATO, Sweden and Finland: together we will be stronger and our populations safer," said NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.