Canada’s focus on protecting sovereignty in the North and in the Arctic is critical

For years, Canada has relied on the Arctic’s remote location and frozen terrain to keep the region—and Canadians—safe. The impacts of climate change and the melting of the polar ice caps are rapidly changing that. The Arctic is warming at four times the global average, making the Arctic Ocean increasingly accessible. By 2050, the fastest route by sea between Europe and East Asia could be right through Canada’s North. Our adversaries are looking at this growing accessibility as an opportunity. Russia and China are increasing their presence in the region. Both nations are surveilling Canada’s North and collecting data in the Arctic, including through dual-purpose research vessels. Yvonne Jones is the parliamentary secretary to the minister of northern affairs, and parliamentary secretary to the minister of national defence (northern defence). Photograph courtesy of Yvonne Jones Their increased involvement in the region presents new threats that compel Canada to take a new, Arctic-focused approach to defence. That’s why this past April, our government released our defence policy update titled Our North, Strong and Free: A Renewed Vision for Canada’s Defence. This policy is about securing Canada’s sovereignty in the Arctic, backed by an additional $73-billion in funding for defence over the next 20 years. Historically, governments invested little in northern defence. The Harper government didn’t invest in building hubs across the Arctic or to increase our military presence in the region. As the world changes, we must adapt our approach to defence, including how we invest in protecting Canadians. As part of our NORAD modernization plan, we are upgrading four forward operating sites across the Arctic in Inuvik, Yellowknife, Iqaluit, and Goose Bay, to better support NATO and NORAD operations. Canada’s sovereignty in the Arctic is about people, including those who participate in defending the region. The Canadian Rangers, for example are members of the community who step up to serve, with 2,000 rangers serving across 65 communities in the North. The Rangers are our eyes and ears on the ground, and we will continue to support them in their essential work by providing them with the modern tools needed to execute missions. Through our new investments, we will ensure Canada is well-positioned to be a strong force in the Arctic and to take a leading role in defending the region. Investments in new infrastructure and equipment will increase the presence, reach, mobility, and responsiveness of the Canadian Armed Forces in the North. New northern operational support hubs will be critical to increasing the CAF’s ability to maintain a year-round military presence in the region. These hubs will not only be of benefit to the CAF, but they will also be able to meaningfully serve people in the North. They will include multi-purpose infrastructure—airstrips, logistics facilities, and equipment—that can be used both by the CAF and by territorial governments, Indigenous Peoples, and northern communities. As we design and implement this multi-purpose infrastructure, we will work with First Nations, Métis, and Inuit in true partnership and consultation. Canada is investing in defence more than ever before. These historic investments are needed not only to keep Canadians safe but also to meet our international obligations. Over the past two years, we and our NATO allies have increasingly been called upon to bolster NATO’s eastern flank amidst Russia’s illegal and unjustified invasion of Ukraine. Canada’s support for Ukraine is unwavering, and we will continue to stand with them until victory. At the same time, Canada has a responsibility to our allies to bolster our capabilities and ability to defend NATO’s northern flank. Our focus on protecting our sovereignty in the North and in the Arctic is critical not just for Canada, but also for our NATO allies. The new capabilities in which we are investing will allow us to detect and respond to threats from a farther distance. Whether it’s a new fleet of airborne early warning aircraft, sensors on our coasts and underwater, or a new tactical helicopter fleet, these investments are crucial to asserting our sovereignty in the region. Ultimately, this policy update is about giving our troops the tools they need to defend and protect our North. Defending our sovereignty, and the many people that call Canada home is job No. 1. Our North, Strong and Free helps us get there. Yvonne Jones is the parliamentary secretary to the minister of northern affairs, and parliamentary secretary to the minister of national defence (northern defence). She was first elected as the MP for Labrador, N.L., in 2013. The Hill Times

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Canada’s focus on protecting sovereignty in the North and in the Arctic is critical

Due to global warming, the fastest route by sea between Europe and East Asia could be right through Canada’s North by 2050.

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