Canada arctic strategy. 67 billion over 20 years to building them. The federal government has unveiled new details about its Arctic foreign policy, including plans to boost its presence in the region to counter possible threats from Russia and China. INTRODUCTION The significant strategic value of the Arctic and the North1 is well understood and has been identified at the most senior levels of the Government of Canada (GC) through the Minister of National Defence Mandate Letter, the Department of National Defence (DND)/Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), and Royal Canadian Navy (RCN). Mar 18, 2025 · New activities aim to support a near year-round military presence through exercises and training to assert Canada’s presence and sovereignty as well as refine information-sharing processes. Given the changing priorities of the US under President Trump and the repeated questioning of The Arctic is central to Canada’s national identity, prosperity, security, values and interests. Through an analysis of Canada’s Cold War Arctic strategy and policy, this monograph identifies the historical drivers of Canada’s Northern strategy and summarizes trends in the associated Canadian policy goals and objectives. The money will be spent on airfields, logistics bases and new equipment. President Donald Trump's threats to make Canada its 51st state Canada’s Arctic strategy can evolve to not only defend territory but also redefine economic and digital sovereignty in a low-trust world. “The North American Arctic is no longer free from tension,” says the strategy. Although historically our attention as a nation has been directed to the Atlantic Ocean and more recently the Pacific, the Arctic has always been a vital part of our Canadian identity. Canada uniquely sees sovereignty as founded in part on the presence of Inuit and First Nations. Jun 12, 2024 · Canada’s Arctic Foreign Policy outlines a strategic approach to engagement in the Arctic region, focusing on strengthening sovereignty. Just as Indigenous partners Jun 20, 2025 · The Canadian Coast Guard’s annual Arctic summer operational season is underway. Sep 27, 2024 · From an American perspective, Canada’s military woes highlight a fundamental weakness of US national security strategy in the Arctic, which depends heavily on collaboration with able partners. Feb 19, 2025 · Non-Arctic states—most particularly, China—are showing increasing interest, and presence, in the Arctic. Potential adversaries are rapidly developing their militaries’ ability to operate both in the High North and the circumpolar Arctic region. An asymmetrical defense strategy rooted in practicality and designed for deterrence is a necessary step. -Canadian security pact primarily designed to protect the two nations from Russian nuclear attacks. The white paper came as an update from the 2019 version, which is actually mostly focused on the relations with indigenous peoples, and marks Canada’s growing interest for the Arctic from a geostrategic point of view, with the ultimate aim The Arctic and Northern Policy Framework is a profound change of direction for the Government of Canada. Dec 5, 2024 · Canada is set to release a new Arctic foreign policy aimed at boosting its diplomatic and security posture in the North to counter growing threats from foreign actors and climate change, the Dec 12, 2024 · Enhance domestic engagement on Canada’s Arctic foreign policy: Global Affairs Canada will continue pursuing early, meaningful and sustained engagement with territorial and provincial governments, Arctic and northern Indigenous governments and organizations and northerners more generally. While Trump pushes trade Dec 6, 2024 · Canada plans to work more closely with the United States in the Arctic to ensure regional security in the face of an increasingly aggressive Russia, Ottawa said on Friday. Reducing our emissions is essential to protecting the competitiveness of Canada’s energy sectors. Now, for the initiative to achieve widespread adoption and for interoperability to grow sufficiently for Canada to truly harness the power of big data, the federal government will need to develop and fund a robust Arctic research data strategy. Our Vision for Defence Asserting Canadian Sovereignty Defending North America Advancing Canada's Global Interests and Values A Strategic Approach to National Securing Canada’s Arctic: A Strategic Imperative for Multi-Use, Multi-User Infrastructure in a New Era of Geopolitical Threats Canada’s Arctic has shifted from a remote frontier to a critical national and international security flashpoint. Aug 3, 2025 · Canada has approved a 20-year, $1. The new defense policy will allow the Canadian Armed Forces to establish a year-round presence in the Arctic region. With Russia and China increasing their activities in the region, Canada is prioritizing its Arctic sovereignty by investing in military upgrades, strengthening alliances, and promoting sustainable development. To further address the opportunities and challenges that exist, the Government of Canada introduced Canada's Northern Strategy in 2007. The most significant advancement, however, may I. In his foreword to the Arctic strategy, Defence Minister Bill Blair reiterated the The United States is an Arctic nation, and the region is critical to the defense of our homeland, the protection of U. Dec 5, 2024 · Officials from Global Affairs Canada, the Department of National Defence and Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada will offer a technical briefing to media on Canada’s Arctic Foreign Policy. This chapter of the Arctic and Northern Policy Framework lays out the objectives and activities that the Government of Canada will pursue through to 2030 as part of its commitment to a safe, secure, and well Apr 8, 2024 · Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Defence Minister Bill Blair released Our North, Strong and Free – a defence policy update that responds to the significant global shifts we have witnessed since Canada’s comprehensive defence policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged, was announced in 2017. Apr 24, 2024 · Canada’s new defence policy, released on April 8, 2024, makes two big promises. Vice-Admiral (Ret’d) Mark Norman is a former vice-chief of the defence staff. Further, it is meant to complement the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission May 2, 2025 · Agnico Eagle Mines , Canada's biggest gold miner, wants the new government to develop a formal Arctic strategy in response to U. Apr 9, 2025 · Gary Mar is the president and CEO of the Canada West Foundation. Jul 22, 2024 · The new strategy comes as the US, Canada and Finland embark on a new strategic agreement to build ice-breaking ships. The Arctic’s increasing strategic importance, coupled with the Services’ significant regional investment, requires the Department to have a unified, deliberate, and forward-looking approach, ensuring the Air and Space Forces can compete and defend the Apr 17, 2019 · Canada’s position in China’s geostrategic plan and Arctic strategy is marginal but Canada’s peripheral position might make it an easy target for China to exploit. A key pillar of the Arctic safety and security architecture is incorporated in Canada's Emergency Management Strategy, which is the result of federal, provincial, and territorial efforts to establish complementary approaches to emergency management. Feb 11, 2025 · Sentry Staff Canada’s new Arctic foreign policy aims to counter emerging threats from the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and Russia by strengthening international partnerships and increasing the nation’s military presence. Both promises will require big spending increases over an extended period. Economic development is a key theme, but should be approached in a sustainable manner. military is working to implement the strategy for an increasingly important region of the world: the Arctic. security and spells out how the department plans to be ready to meet new challenges there. The AFP is a comprehensive diplomatic strategy for Canada’s engagement in and on the Arctic. For the first time, the federal government worked with Indigenous representatives and 6 territorial and provincial governments to define and co-develop this long-term vision. Canada is an Arctic nation. “Canada must work even closer with its closest ally, the United States, to maintain a secure North American homeland. Dec 6, 2024 · “Nunavut welcomes Canada’s new Arctic-specific foreign policy and looks forward to partnering with the federal government to advance our country’s efforts regarding Arctic sovereignty and security. Yet his actions reveal a narrower lens—one rooted in territorial ambition rather than a comprehensive Arctic strategy, writes researcher Abbas Qaidari in this op-ed. The Arctic is rapidly transforming into a major geopolitical arena. Learn more about Arctic geopolitics and international relations here. May 2, 2025 · The Geopolitical Tensions Reshaping Canada's Arctic Mining Landscape Amidst growing concerns about resource security and sovereignty in Canada's northern territories, Agnico Eagle Mines, Canada's largest gold producer, is urging the newly elected Canadian government to develop a comprehensive Arctic strategy. The Canadian Arctic covers 40% of Canada’s territory and is home to more than 200,000 inhabitants, more than half of whom are Indigenous. Minister Joly was careful neither to cast the CAFP as the culmination of a new full-scale co-development process like the one that yielded the ANPF nor as a full strategy like Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy released in 2022. Canada must choose whether to remain reactive or to assert its position through focused, intelligent measures. May 15, 2023 · A meaningful debate on Canada’s role in the Arctic is long overdue, but we may be finally witnessing its start. Such a debate is of particular importance, given the central place that the circumpolar region occupies in the tapestry of Canada’s national interests. The Arctic Foreign Policy will promote a safe, strong, and thriving future for those who live in the Arctic and the North, while protecting Canada’s enduring Arctic sovereignty. In the Arctic and in the North, as in the rest of Canada, safety, security and defence are essential prerequisites for healthy communities, strong economies, and a sustainable environment. It considers the shifting geopolitical context and puts forward plans to ensure that the Canadian Arctic remains strong and adaptable on the international stage, now and into the future. This can be achieved through the Investment Canada Act; by strengthening Canadian cyber security systems; and through new legislation to address foreign interference. There are longstanding inequalities in transportation, energy, communications, employment Dec 12, 2024 · Canada recently presented its new Arctic foreign policy, also referred to as a diplomatic strategy. Years of neglect—by successive governments and especially under the Liberals—have left our sovereignty in the region vulnerable at precisely the wrong time. homeland remains secure and vital national Canada will file this information for the consideration of the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf. The strategy acknowledges how environmental changes are affecting the Arctic region, details the implications for U. Executive Summary The United States seeks an Arctic region that is peaceful, stable, prosperous, and cooperative. The soon-to-be-released framework is generating quite a bit Oct 8, 2025 · This reframing aligns with Canada’s broader diplomatic identity. Whereas in the past Canada relied on the US as a key ally and on international norms to secure its sovereignty in the Arctic, it is now stepping into a more independent role. The Strategy outlines the Canadian Coast Guard’s vision for the Arctic region over the next decade and was developed in collaboration with Inuit, First Nations, and Métis peoples. How does Canada’s Arctic defense buildup and strategy compare to those of other regional powers? Aug 16, 2013 · Building the Canadian North is an essential part of building our nation. The plan includes closer cooperation with the United States Carney’s proposed Arctic strategy reflects his fixation on green policies rather than concrete security needs. agenda over the next ten years, from 2022 to 2032, to realize this vision. Jul 22, 2024 · The Defense Department today released its 2024 Arctic Strategy. Jun 24, 2024 · However, without a comprehensive Arctic strategy, Canada remains unprepared to address intensifying threats facing the Arctic. NATO allies, including Canada, need to acknowledge Stoltenberg’s statements and work together to develop defensive capabilities and strategies that protect their Arctic sovereignty and citizens. Mar 29, 2025 · And the co-operation with Australia is a sign of another development in Canada’s Arctic strategy, noted Dr Neil Melvin of the Royal United Services Institute, a London-based think tank. Mar 17, 2025 · Op-ed: Donald Trump’s return to the White House in 2025 has reignited his fixation on Greenland, framing it as a national security prize, while chiding Canada for its military spending. Northern economic development can be promoted with Dec 6, 2024 · Canada will open consulates in Alaska and Greenland, appoint an Arctic ambassador and continue its boundary negotiations with the United States over the Beaufort Sea. 86 billion investment in military support hubs across Nunavut and the Northwest May 1, 2024 · Tom Henheffer from the Arctic Research Foundation explains why Canada needs an Artic strategy in order to guarantee our country's security. "Canada is an Arctic nation — protecting our North is central to our sovereignty, security and prosperity. Those promises and more are Jan 20, 2025 · Canada’s new Arctic foreign policy aims to counter emerging threats from the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and Russia by strengthening international partnerships and increasing the nation’s military presence. The SUMMARY CANADA's Arctic strategy is focused on Indigenous peoples in connection to sovereignty, human/social development, Indigenous rights, and climate change. national The federal government has unveiled new details about its Arctic foreign policy, including plans to boost its presence in the region to counter possible thre Dec 6, 2024 · The new policy sets out plans for increased engagement with Arctic allies, strengthening research security, and improved information sharing with local and Indigenous governments. Oct 17, 2024 · Climate change is having profound effects on the strategic and operational environment and growing access to the Arctic’s resource potential is enticing new non-Arctic actors to the region. May 26, 2025 · In December 2024, Canada’s Department of National Defence published its latest white paper about its Arctic strategy, named Our North: Strong and Free. May 30, 2025 · Issue Brief May 30, 2025 The frontier is the front line: On climate resilience for infrastructure and supplies in Canada’s Arctic By Jeffrey Reynolds and Kristen Taylor Prime Minister Mark Carney’s victory in the May 2025 elections provides a clearer picture of Canada’s political future and strategic priorities. One is to enhance the protection of Canada’s sovereignty and interests in the Arctic; the other is to remake the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) as a technologically advanced fighting force. Dec 6, 2024 · The initiatives represent a “fundamental change” in Canada’s approach to the Arctic, Joly said Friday in Ottawa during the official launch of Canada’s new Arctic Foreign Policy. Jul 30, 2024 · The U. Dec 7, 2024 · Canada unveiled a renewed Arctic strategy on Dec. Apr 24, 2025 · It’s time to act The Arctic’s importance will only grow as global interest intensifies. Mar 28, 2025 · Carney’s proposed Arctic strategy reflects his fixation on green policies rather than concrete security needs. Canada's Arctic and Northern Policy Framework A framework prepared by the Government of Canada and its partners to empower people and communities to work together for a vibrant, prosperous and sustainable region. The Strategy presents an overarching vision for the North, based on four priorities: exercising our Arctic sovereignty; promoting social and economic development; protecting our Mar 18, 2025 · Pole position – Canada’s slow steps forward in Arctic defence and security: Alexander Dalziel Canadian leaders need to “think Arctic” when they think foreign affairs and defence. Behind Canada just launched a bold Arctic strategy that could change everything. Jan 7, 2025 · The US Arctic strategy is shifting amid tensions with Russia and China, aiming to balance security, climate action, and energy interests. Mar 25, 2023 · Canada faces four types of threats in its Arctic region: the climate crisis, which has severe consequences for the security of local populations; Canada’s legal posture regarding the Northwest Passage, which is not internationally recognized; hybrid destabilization operations coming from third countries in the region; and the lack of Canadian capabilities to conduct surveillance and control Canada is set to release a new Arctic foreign policy aimed at boosting its diplomatic and security posture in the North to counter growing threats from foreign actors and climate change, the Nov 9, 2024 · Ottawa is finalizing its long-awaited Arctic foreign policy with Inuit leaders for release before the end of the year, as Canada braces for a second Trump presidency and increasing threats to its . Canada is a maritime nation bordered by three oceans. Canada will strengthen the defence of its critical infrastructure across the country, including in the Arctic, to protect northern communities against foreign interference. Apr 16, 2025 · Canada’s partnership with Australia to develop Arctic radar systems marks a decisive turning point in its defense strategy. By reviving the Arctic ambassador role, expanding diplomatic presence, and fostering Indigenous partnerships, the policy lays a foundation for navigating the complex challenges of a changing Arctic. 3 hours ago · Canadian exporters can expect to get easier access to new markets as the federal government announced a new strategy to diversify trade from the United States. 6, aiming to bolster regional security in response to growing threats from Russia. Canada in a Time of Global Uncertainty Climate Change and its Destabilizing Impacts on our Arctic and North Challenges to the International Order The Changing Character of Conflict II. The National Strategy for the Arctic Region articulates an affirmative U. Mar 18, 2025 · Prime Minister Carney was today in Iqaluit, Nunavut, to announce initiatives in partnership with Inuit leaders to build the Nunavut economy and strengthen Canadian security and sovereignty in the Arctic. During the election campaign, Carney emphasized bolstering defense spending Affaires mondiales Canada The Government of Canada launched Canada's Arctic and Northern Policy Framework on September 10, 2019. A recent assessment from the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) underscores that Canada’s Arctic is being actively targeted by adversaries Apr 11, 2024 · Canada's government has announced a new billion-dollar investment in the country's defense, highlighting sovereignty risks in the Arctic as a key challenge. I am issuing this 2024 Arctic Strategy to guide the U. Apr 15, 2024 · The 20-year timeline of Canada’s new defence policy, and the fact that several proposed investments will “be explored,” raises serious questions about its commitment to pull its weight in NATO. Dec 6, 2024 · Ottawa says its focus on the Arctic comes after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine “has shaken the foundations” of international cooperation in the northern region. As great-power rivalries intensify, climate change opens new shipping routes, and global trade Jul 24, 2025 · The pieces are in place. The National Arctic Strategy builds on the goals and objectives of the government of Canada’s Arctic and Northern Policy Framework (ANPF). "The Arctic region of the United States is critical to the defense of our homeland, the protection of U. The document, following hot on the heels of the aggressive new Arctic strategy the United States Dec 6, 2024 · Canada is to open new consulates in Alaska and Greenland, appoint an ambassador for the Arctic and enlist Indigenous communities to carry out surveillance in the area as it bolsters security in Canada's Arctic strategy for 2024 is entailed to push the country towards developing their Arctic and Northern territories security. May 25, 2025 · Conclusion Canada’s Arctic foreign policy marks a pivotal moment in the nation’s approach to the North. May 1, 2025 · T he Arctic is slipping from Canada’s grasp. 4 Instead, the policy statement reiterates that Canada’s desired end state is “a stable, prosperous and secure Arctic” with “strong and resilient Arctic and Dec 6, 2024 · Canada, the U. In August 2018, the Chief of the Defence Staff designated the Aug 19, 2024 · As part of today’s announcement, Minister Lebouthillier also marked the launch of the Canadian Coast Guard’s Arctic Strategy. By integrating Arctic infrastructure, critical mineral and natural resource independence, and digital resilience as mutually reinforcing components, Canada can assert itself as a global rule-maker in emerging technologies and their applications, data Dec 4, 2024 · Canada’s Liberal government is expected to unveil a new Arctic policy by the end of the year. Jul 26, 2025 · Trump Rattled As Canada Deploys Arctic Strategy — Here’s Why It Could Leave the U. Unveiled in December 2024, the strategy calls for Canada to open new consulates in Anchorage, Alaska, and Nuuk, Greenland, and to appoint an Arctic ambassador. 86B spending spree on military support hubs in Nunavut and the Northwest Territories. 6 billion investment in the North American Aerospace Defense Command, better known as NORAD, the bilateral U. For too long, Canada's Arctic and northern residents, especially Indigenous people, have not had access to the same services, opportunities, and standards of living as those enjoyed by other Canadians. Oct 26, 2025 · Inside Canada’s new Arctic ambitions After decades of neglect, the Far North is suddenly central to Ottawa’s vision of sovereignty and security — and Washington is paying close attention. Why is Canada strengthening its presence in the Arctic? We need urgent investment in sovereignty and surveillance The post Canada’s Arctic Strategy Falls Behind as Rivals Push Ahead first appeared on The Walrus. On December 6, 2024, Canada launched Canada´s Arctic Foreign Policy (AFP). Enabling increased Northern and Arctic operations will allow the CAF to better detect, deter, and defend against threats to Canada and North America. Dec 15, 2024 · The third pillar is Canada's desire to play a leading role in the management of the Arctic. S. Nov 13, 2024 · Officials representing the Governments of the United States, Canada, and Finland signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to begin working together to develop world-class Arctic and polar icebreakers through the exchange of knowledge, information, and resources in each of our countries. Use the form’s “question or comment” field to specify the requested publication. It’s about time it 1 day ago · Mearns’ appointment is part of a broader strategy to advance Canada’s Arctic interests on the world stage through dialogue, scientific collaboration and diplomacy. It is intended to provide a roadmap to implement key areas of the ANPF through high-impact projects, infrastructure development, training programs, and policy changes. Jun 10, 2025 · Canada The Walrus Canada’s Arctic Strategy Falls Behind as Rivals Push Ahead 10 June 2025 - THE ARCTIC IS slipping from Canada’s grasp. Through its new Arctic Strategy, the Canadian Coast Guard is working with Inuit, First Nation, and Métis partners to deliver services and programs in the North, by the North, for the North. national sovereignty, and our defense treaty commitments. Aug 7, 2024 · The new Arctic Strategy underlines the importance of improving C5ISR in the Arctic—command, control, communications, computers, cyber, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance—the suite of capabilities that enable monitoring, assessment, and interdiction of threats to North America. and Finland have also entered into a trilateral pact to build icebreakers for the Arctic. As a middle power, Canada has long excelled at norm-setting – peacekeeping, the Ottawa Treaty, the human security agenda. Today, as the Arctic and Northern environment experiences The Arctic policy of Canada includes both the foreign policy of Canada in regard to the Arctic region and Canada's domestic policy towards its Arctic territories. Our territory’s history and geography uniquely position Nunavut to play a strategic role in Team Canada’s diplomatic endeavours. Mar 6, 2025 · The hubs are the cornerstone of the federal government's Arctic security strategy, which committed $2. PRPI Fellow Karen Everett takes a closer look. Canadians plan to achieve this by increasing contributions to the Arctic Council and thereby ensuring Canada's more active participation and leadership in its projects. Erin believes that the Canadian North can be the accelerator for Canada to regain its traditional role in the world and reverse its declining global reputation. Our Climate Competitiveness Strategy turns Canada’s natural wealth – critical minerals, clean power – into lasting prosperity. As great-power rivalries intensify, climate change opens new shipping routes, and global Dec 9, 2024 · Here’s what to know about Canada’s strategy and the tensions in the region. May 18, 2018 · The federal government in Canada is in the process of creating a new Arctic Policy Framework. Canada’s recent commitment to a 20-year, $1. The strategy outlines the Department of the Air Force’s unique role and optimizes Air Force and Space Force capabilities for the region. Jun 26, 2025 · Canada's new Arctic policy will require a whole-of-society approach and should take into account the important connections between geopolitical, socioeconomic, security, and cultural factors. The country will 1 day ago · The key to competitiveness and growth is also to be a leader in a low-carbon economy. Department of Defense (DoD) in a concerted approach to preserve the Arctic as a stable region in which the U. Although securing an Arctic strategy and implementing investments is a long-term project, Sean envisions a future where mine-building is closely linked with community and nation-building. This strategy, an update of its 2013 predecessor, addresses the climate crisis with greater urgency and directs new investments in May 15, 2018 · Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government is set to release its much-awaited Arctic strategy this summer or fall, and policy makers are keenly waiting to hear whether it will have substantial domestic and international elements. Oct 16, 2025 · For decades, Canadian policy on the Arctic has been shaped largely through a southern perspective while the lived realities of the North are treated merely as background despite the fact the region is central to Canada’s national identity and pivotal to several key defence and infrastructure Jan 10, 2025 · Blair said Canada’s strategy includes an “unprecedented and historic” $38. Mar 9, 2025 · The Arctic region, once a peripheral theater in global geopolitics, has emerged as a critical arena of strategic competition by 2024, driven by the rapid retreat of sea ice, the promise of untapped natural resources, and the escalating tensions among major powers. The update occurs in a landscape of intensified geopolitical competition and climate change with wide-range consequences. Arctic resilience could be the next contribution: showing that sovereignty in the 21 st century rests on systems that cannot be easily broken. Dec 8, 2024 · With a renewed focus on security, diplomacy, and environmental stewardship, the strategy reflects Canada’s evolving role in the Arctic amid shifting global dynamics. Request alternate formats To request an alternate format of a publication, complete the Government of Canada Publications email form. hqaw or0 t4i rff kc0 woxv 6l faf4s nrjd ugwx2e