In Iqaluit, Nunavut, on March 18, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that Canada will increase its military and security presence in the Arctic, a region garnering more interest from U.S. President Donald Trump due to its frozen and mineral-rich nature. Carney, newly appointed and expected to call an election soon, disclosed plans to collaborate with Australia in constructing an early warning radar system first announced in 2022.
Canada is allocating C$420 million to enable the military to have a more robust and year-round presence in the Arctic, along with expanding training and deployment. Carney emphasized the need to invest in Canada's north to safeguard its sovereignty during a press briefing in Iqaluit, the capital of the vast Nunavut Arctic territory.
Trump has expressed interest in Greenland, highlighting its strategic position and mineral wealth. The proposed early-warning radar system, with a budget of C$6.9 billion over 20 years, aims to cover airspace from the U.S. border to the Arctic and is slated for operation by 2029.
Amid speculations that Carney will announce an election this Sunday, sources within the ruling Liberal party indicate the Conservatives as the main contenders. The Conservatives have pledged to establish a base in the Arctic and enhance regional security. Party leader Pierre Poilievre, citing Pentagon warnings of potential Russian activities in the Arctic, has committed to doubling the number of rangers to 4,000 and acquiring two additional polar icebreakers.