The plan includes more than $35 billion in federal investments alongside major projects representing approximately $10 billion in additional funding. The government said the strategy aims to reinforce Arctic sovereignty, unlock economic potential and improve living conditions for the region’s approximately 140,000 residents, including Indigenous communities.
Announcing the initiative, Prime Minister Carney said the new strategy represents a major shift in Canada’s approach to the Arctic and Northern regions. “After decades of limited and piecemeal investments in the North, Canada’s new government is acting with a scale of ambition worthy of this vast region and its peoples. We are securing every corner of this terrain, unlocking its vast resources, and delivering the strong, connected network of communities that Northerners deserve. In this new era, we cannot rely on other nations for our security and prosperity. We are defending and building together, the true North, strong and free.”
A central element of the plan focuses on strengthening defence infrastructure across the Arctic. Canada will invest $32 billion to upgrade Forward Operating Locations in Yellowknife, Inuvik and Iqaluit, as well as the deployed operating base at 5 Wing Goose Bay.
These improvements will include airfield upgrades, new or repurposed hangars, ammunition and fuel facilities, and expanded accommodation, logistics and information technology infrastructure. The investments are intended to enhance the Canadian Armed Forces’ ability to operate independently in the Arctic while supporting NATO allies and the NORAD continental defence mission.
Additional investments will establish two Northern Operational Support Hubs in Whitehorse and Resolute and two Northern Operational Support Nodes in Cambridge Bay and Rankin Inlet. Backed by $2.67 billion in funding, the network will enable rapid military deployment and year-round response across remote areas of the Arctic and Northern region.
Further improvements will also be made to northern aviation infrastructure. Canada will invest $294 million in Arctic airports, including runway upgrades and modernisation work at Rankin Inlet Airport and improvements at Inuvik Airport to accommodate larger aircraft and improve year-round connectivity for both civilian and military operations.
Minister of National Defence David J. McGuinty said the investments will strengthen Canada’s military presence and operational capability across the region. “These investments will continue to build the Defence team’s presence and responsiveness across the Arctic and the North, reinforce our ability to assert Canadian sovereignty, support community benefits where feasible, and contribute to NATO’s deterrence and defence priorities. Furthermore, Canada’s efforts to modernise our continental defences demonstrate our commitment to enabling the North American Aerospace Defense Command and the Canadian Armed Forces to defend against emerging threats to North America.”
Beyond defence measures, the plan also prioritises major infrastructure projects designed to connect Northern communities and expand economic activity. Among the initiatives referred to the Major Projects Office are the Mackenzie Valley Highway, the Grays Bay Road and Port project, the Arctic Economic and Security Corridor and the Taltson Hydro Expansion Project.
The Mackenzie Valley Highway will create an 800-kilometre all-season road linking Yellowknife and Inuvik while improving access for Indigenous and remote communities. The Grays Bay Road and Port and Arctic Economic and Security Corridor projects aim to connect Nunavut to Canada’s national highway network and establish the country’s first overland connection to a deepwater port on the Arctic Ocean.
Energy and Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson said the investments reflect the growing importance of the Arctic to Canada’s national security and economic future. “We are at a turning point where national security, energy sovereignty, and economic independence meet. In an era of increasing global instability, Canada’s Arctic – and the vast deposits of critical resources and energy it holds – is vital to our future in partnership with the territorial governments and Indigenous Peoples. Today’s announcement is a strong step toward ensuring that Northern regions and resources will be the gateway to a secure, sovereign, and prosperous future for all Canadians.”
Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon emphasised the role of transportation infrastructure in strengthening both security and economic resilience in the North. “A competitive Canada and a secure Arctic depend on our ability to move people and goods safely and reliably across our vast North. Through the Arctic Infrastructure Fund, we will work with Indigenous Peoples, governments, and industry proponents to build the dual-use airports, seaports, and all-season corridors essential to reinforcing Canada’s supply chain resilience and opening new gateways to the world. These investments do more than bolster our security; they bridge the gap between our Northern potential and global markets, securing lasting prosperity from coast to coast to coast.”
Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations Rebecca Alty said the investments will be carried out in partnership with Indigenous communities and regional governments. “Today’s investments are about building a stronger future for the Northwest Territories and Nunavut, along with communities across the North and Canada. We’re working with local partners and Indigenous Peoples to advance projects that will create jobs, secure the Arctic, and strengthen critical infrastructure. By unlocking the North’s potential, we’re turning challenges into opportunities and building a more prosperous future, together.”
Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs Rebecca Chartrand said the initiative recognises the Arctic’s central role in Canada’s identity and security. “The Arctic’s strength, potential, and identity shape who we are as a nation. By bolstering defence capabilities and strengthening critical infrastructure, we are amplifying the leadership, innovation, and momentum already driving the region forward – and building a stronger, more secure Canada. These investments honour the leadership of Indigenous partners and contribute to our shared vision of a strong, connected North.”
The plan builds on additional investments in Arctic defence, infrastructure and economic development. These include a $6.5 billion Arctic Over-the-Horizon Radar system developed in partnership with Australia, as well as funding for transportation infrastructure, housing, energy projects and food security initiatives across Northern communities.
Canada currently maintains a permanent military presence in the Arctic through operations such as Operation NANOOK. The government said the new strategy reflects the growing strategic importance of the region, which forms a key corridor between North America and Europe and is becoming increasingly significant for global security and economic competition.
Source: Government of Canada.
