Tuesday March 18, 2025 | IQALUIT, Nunavut [reporting from VICTORIA, BC] | Posted at 8:35 pm PT
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
Canada’s national security in the north was the focus of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s visit to Iqaluit today.
He made the Arctic visit to Nunavut’s capital city on his way back from the UK in northern Europe.
He was joined by Defence Minister Bill Blair, Jennie Carignan, Chief of the Defence Staff, and Nunavut Premier P.J. Akeeagok.
“The world is changing. Our adversaries are increasingly emboldened. The United States’ priorities once closely aligned with our own are beginning to shift,” said Carney.
While still being part of NORAD, Canada’s stance is changing: “We cannot and should not look first to others to defend our nation,” said Carney, which set the tone for all the rest.
“More will have to be placed toward defence spending… where they have maximum impact as quickly as possible.” said Carney in response to media questions.
Canada is going to have a permanent and year-round presence in the Arctic, said Canada’s new prime minister who was sworn in just four days ago in Ottawa.
Shared priorities:
Following a positive and constructive meeting with Akeeagok, the two leaders agreed to continue to work together in partnership on shared priorities in the Arctic and Carney addressed the media.
Carney outlined how the security and sovereignty of this country are intertwined.
Carney’s major funding and defence strategy announcement comes on the eve of the next federal election (which Carney is expected to call within the next week).
Forever an Arctic nation:
“Canada is, and forever will be, an Arctic nation, and we can never take our sovereignty and security in the region for granted. Our government will strengthen Canada’s Arctic security, bolster partnerships with our closest Allies, unleash the North’s economic potential, and reaffirm reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples. Canada will remain a strong, secure, and sovereign nation,” said Carney today.
The Arctic region is central to Canada’s national identity, prosperity, and security. The Canadian Arctic covers 40 per cent of Canada’s territory and more than 70 per cent of its coastline.
“Now more than ever, we need to reaffirm Canadian sovereignty by strengthening our military, bolstering our Arctic security, and unleashing the North’s economic potential,” said Carney today.
He announced initiatives in partnership with Inuit leaders to build the Nunavut economy and strengthen Canadian security and sovereignty in the Arctic.
Radar technology in collaboration with Australia [$6 billion]:
Canada intends to partner with Australia to develop advanced Over-the-Horizon Radar technology.
“This partnership will include developing Canada’s Arctic Over-the-Horizon Radar system, an investment of more than $6 billion that will provide early warning radar coverage from threats to the Arctic,” it was stated in today’s news release from the prime minister’s office.
“A key component of Canada’s NORAD modernization plan, the radar system’s long-range surveillance and threat tracking capabilities will detect and deter threats across the North. Collaboration with Australia on this critical technology will further deepen our long-standing bilateral defence relationship, while supporting Canada’s commitment to strengthening North American defences in partnership with the United States.”
The Prime Minister confirmed the partnership in his call with the Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese, earlier today.
Boosting the Canadian Armed Forces presence [$420 million]:
Carney announced that Canada will take on a greater, sustained, and year-round Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) presence in the Arctic – an investment of nearly $420 million to protect Canada’s sovereignty across land, air, and sea.
“With an expansion of its Northern and Arctic operations and training exercises, and the deployment of more personnel, the CAF will be better placed to defend Canada’s Arctic presence and sovereignty – while enabling greater collaboration with NATO Allies,” it was stated by the PMO today.
Reconciliation [$253 million]:
To advance reconciliation with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis, Prime Minister Carney announced over $253 million in new support to build a stronger economy across Nunavut, including:
- $94 million to upgrade power plants in Cambridge Bay, Gjoa Haven, Igloolik, and Iqaluit. These important energy upgrades will ensure that Nunavut communities have access to safe and dependable power.
- Almost $74 million to improve critical housing infrastructure, accelerate housing development, and help meet the growing demand for affordable housing.
- Almost $66 million to build, renovate, and repair hundreds more homes across Nunavut, including for Indigenous Peoples and underserved groups.
- $20 million to help the Nunavut Nukkiksautiit Corporation complete the first phase of the development of its hydroelectricity facility which will, once complete, provide renewable energy security and create jobs across Nunavut.
Infrastructure projects working with Indigenous Peoples and Allies:
The Prime Minister also met with Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated as well as the President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, Natan Obed, to reinforce the fundamental importance of their leadership and to establish a link of collaboration on major infrastructure projects.
With an enhanced Arctic focus, it was stated today that the federal government is improving Canada’s military readiness, creating more high-paying jobs, and growing a stronger economy across the North.
“Working closely with Indigenous Peoples and our Allies, we will fortify the Arctic by strengthening our year-round presence, accelerating defence spending, unleashing the North’s economic potential, and reasserting Canada’s sovereignty and security,” it was stated in the PMO news release.
===== GOVERNMENT LINK:
Reinforcing Canada’s security and sovereignty in the Arctic (project details)
===== RELATED:
- Prime Minister Carney: ready to respond to new threats and seize new opportunities (March 14, 2025)
- Carney’s compact cabinet geared toward Canadian economic resilience (March 14, 2025)
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