Securing our northern reaches means economic development and partnership with Indigenous communities.
The Arctic is the great unknown and the great possibility of Canada in the 21st century, and we are not the only power in the region to recognize it. Within the ice, there is land, resources, and waterways that fall within Canadian borders, but these will not be respected unless we assert ourselves in the Arctic.
As geopolitics shift, so does the climate, and so does the accessibility of the Arctic. Canada must be decisive and determined to secure our sovereignty there. The militarization of the Russian Far North and the growing Chinese presence on the high seas, along with encroachment on the waters of fellow Asian countries, underscore the need for a strong Canadianization of the Arctic.
One of the best ways to achieve this is through the responsible and measured development of the region’s natural resources. Economic activity leads to infrastructure, population growth, and, crucially, partnership with Indigenous communities.
We can solidify our place in the Arctic by creating sustainable opportunities for those who live there and those willing to move there. This will send a strong and clear message to the world: the Arctic is Canada, and we are here to stay.
The sovereignty of the Canadian Arctic is more than a petty territorial dispute; it is a matter of national security. Russia has become an unambiguously hostile, expansionist actor on the world stage, evidenced by its invasion of Ukraine and hostile actions elsewhere, not to mention its ongoing threats of nuclear proliferation.
The People’s Republic of China, Russia’s erstwhile ally and largest trading partner, has declared itself a “near-Arctic state,” and this has implications. Chinese investment in the Arctic has been persistent and delivered in muddied, sly ways.
China's state-owned enterprises have been purchasing stakes in Arctic mining companies and exploiting the lack of enforced regulations to influence the critical minerals sector, which is vital for modern technology.
For Canadians, maintaining Arctic sovereignty is an exercise in demonstrating permanent and ironclad control. We cannot achieve this without a robust economic presence there, and resource development is the way to do that.
There are vast reserves of countless minerals in the Arctic, such as gold, diamonds, iron, cobalt, and others, all vital to the modern domestic and global economy. Extracting them requires a three-pronged commitment to responsibility, environmental protection, and partnerships with Indigenous peoples.
Responsible development in a harsh region like the Arctic requires heavy infrastructure investment, but these investments can be targeted and strategic. Examples include the proposed Kivalliq Hydro-Fibre Link, which can help drive investment to the region and replace higher-emitting fuels like diesel.
Modern ports and airstrips designed for military, government, and industrial use can help Canada lay a permanent Arctic claim and support the national defence strategy for the North. Job training is another important part of this process.
Young residents of the Arctic are eager to take on managerial and technical roles but do not have readily accessible training. Tailoring education programs in partnership with mining companies to serve northern and Indigenous communities will equip them with the knowledge and skills to excel in these essential roles.
Strengthening the Arctic is impossible without the involvement of Indigenous communities like the Inuit and the Dene. As the first inhabitants and stewards of the land, they must be in leadership positions for any development effort to succeed.
Moving beyond the outdated and wrong exclusion of Indigenous peoples from economic development must be a priority. Co-management and equity partnerships in the resource sector are essential.
Ottawa has taken note. Government ministers have stated that infrastructure and defence projects in the Arctic must have acceptance from local communities.
Growing the Arctic economy through partnerships is about more than wealth generation; it is also a partnership in defence. By building a thriving resource economy with local and friendly investment, Canada can diminish the influence of countries like China and encourage greater involvement from Canadian, American, and European investors.
Updating the Investment Canada Act and Bill C-34 to enhance scrutiny of foreign investments as they relate to national security risks was an excellent first step. However, this must be accompanied by meaningful and proactive measures to attract investment from Canada and its allies while supporting smaller mining companies.
Tax incentives for northern exploration, along with streamlining regulatory processes, can make the Arctic a more attractive and reliable destination for capital.
The Arctic is the great possibility of Canada’s 21st century. Twenty-five years into it, it is high time to assert our security and identity there. With responsible regional development, we can create jobs and economic empowerment while protecting Canada’s borders.