Carney Announces $35B Plan for Arctic Defence

As Canada seeks its security and operational capacity in the North, Prime Minister Mark Carney recently announced a $35-billion federal plan to expand defence capabilities and infrastructure across the Arctic and northern regions, including upgrades to military bases, new operational hubs, improved airports, and road construction projects.

On today’s episode of the Expert Series, MGen (Ret’d) Michel Lalumiere, Dr. James Fergusson, and Dr. Rob Huebert joined us to discuss the significance of these investments, the distinction between Arctic development and defence spending, and what these initiatives mean for Canada’s Arctic security and northern communities.

We unpack upgrades to northern forward operating locations in Yellowknife, Inuvik, and Iqaluit, the role of infrastructure in Arctic defence, and the NORAD modernization and related capabilities. The panel also explores Canada–U.S. defence cooperation, the challenges of implementing ambitious projects amid cost pressures and community impacts, and the strategic implications of shifting threats from Russia and China for long-term Arctic defence policy.

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The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security.

The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security.

Learn more: CDA Institute