Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has unveiled significant investments aimed at bolstering military infrastructure in the Arctic and enhancing Nunavut's development.

During a press conference in Iqaluit, the capital of Nunavut, Carney revealed plans for Canada to collaborate with Australia on constructing an advanced early warning radar system. This system will extend along the Canada-U.S. border and into the Arctic region. The initiative is backed by an investment exceeding $6 billion CAD ($4.2 billion USD), funds that were previously earmarked as part of the 2022 modernisation blueprint for the North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD).

Carney made the announcement on Tuesday during the concluding stage of his inaugural official tour as prime minister, following his recent succession of Justin Trudeau.

He elaborated on the Arctic Over-The-Horizon Radar system, developed in partnership with Australia, a nation described as a "long-standing defence and security partner." While acknowledging that the project itself is not novel, Carney stressed that partnering with Australia would expedite its implementation and maximise its effectiveness.

The federal government also announced an additional $420 million CAD ($294 million USD) in funding the North. According to an official statement, this allocation will enhance the Canadian Armed Forces' ability to maintain a "greater, sustained, and year-round" presence in the Arctic, alongside expanded training and deployment initiatives in the region.

Carney framed the announcement as a reaffirmation of Canada’s dedication to NORAD while noting that U.S. priorities, "once closely aligned with our own, are starting to shift" and remarked that the international order is changing:

The world is changing. Our adversaries are increasingly emboldened. International norms and institutions that have kept Canada secure are now being called into question.

Housing and Energy: 'The Foundation of Arctic Sovereignty'

In addition to defence-related investments, Carney disclosed new infrastructure projects totalling $253 million CAD ($177.1 million USD) for the northern territories:

• $94 million CAD ($65.8 million USD) allocated to upgrade power plants in Cambridge Bay, Gjoa Haven, and Igloolik, as well as to install a new diesel generator in Iqaluit.
• $73.8 million CAD ($51.66 million USD) spread over a decade to support housing infrastructure across Nunavut.
• $65.2 million CAD ($45.64 million USD) over seven years to construct approximately 177 new homes and renovate 401 existing dwellings in various communities.
• $20 million CAD ($14 million USD) granted to the Nunavut Nukkiksautiit Corporation for the initial phase of a planned hydroelectricity facility near Iqaluit.

Speaking alongside Carney, Nunavut Premier P.J. Akeeagok expressed appreciation for the investments in Arctic defence but underscored the importance of building "strong, resilient communities" within the territory. He argued that investments in housing and energy are pivotal, calling them 'the foundation of Canada's Arctic sovereignty and security.'

Akeeagok also advocated for increased support for "nation-building" endeavours in the North, such as the Iqaluit hydro project. He noted that these ventures benefit not only Nunavut but also other regions of Canada, given the territory's reliance on southern provinces for essential supplies and assistance.

An investment in Nunavut means an investment in Alberta, Manitoba, Quebec, or Ontario.

The premier further highlighted Nunavut’s ties to Greenland, emphasising their geographic, linguistic, and cultural connections. He described this relationship as presenting "an opportunity for greater diplomatic presence in the Arctic, forging closer ties with friends in this region."

Source: CBC

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