Poilievre promises new military base in Nunavut as part of Arctic defence plan
The Conservative Party recently unveiled a portion of their defense plan, focusing on protecting the Far North from growing threats posed by Russia and China. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre made the announcement in Iqaluit, highlighting the need to address the Russian military buildup in the Arctic and China’s increasing interest in the region due to climate change making it a viable shipping route.
One of the key initiatives of the Conservative plan is to double the size of the Canadian Ranger force, which plays a crucial role in surveillance and reconnaissance in the Arctic. Additionally, Poilievre promised to revive a plan to provide the Royal Canadian Navy with two armed heavy icebreakers to enhance patrol capabilities in the region. The delivery of heavy icebreakers for the Canadian Coast Guard would also be expedited under the Conservative proposal.
Furthermore, the Conservatives pledged to establish Canada’s first permanent military base in the Arctic since the Cold War by upgrading Iqaluit from a forward operating location to a fully-fledged base. This development would be done in consultation with the military and Indigenous Peoples to ensure their input and involvement in the decision-making process.
Poilievre emphasized the strategic importance of Iqaluit, which boasts a functional airport and seaport capable of accommodating both naval and air force operations. While no specific cost was provided for the plan, Poilievre indicated that funding would come from cuts to foreign aid.
In a video released alongside his Arctic visit, Poilievre stressed the urgency of protecting Canadian sovereignty in the Arctic region, citing threats to trade relations with the United States and the need to regain respect from allies. The Conservative leader’s “Canada First” plan aims to equip the Canadian Armed Forces, especially the Canadian Rangers, with the resources necessary to secure the North’s skies, seas, and soil.
The Conservative defense plan reflects a mix of new initiatives and past commitments. Expanding the Ranger force was a priority under former Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s government, while the idea of armed heavy icebreakers for the navy was initially proposed in 2006. The announcement also affirmed the continuation of existing Liberal defense plans, such as NORAD modernization and submarine acquisitions for the navy.
In response to Poilievre’s Arctic platform, Nunavut Premier P.J. Akeeagok emphasized the importance of consulting with Northerners on decisions impacting the region. While welcoming political attention to the Arctic, Akeeagok stressed the need for partnerships with Northern communities to ensure their rights, needs, and perspectives are considered in any plans for the region.
In addition to defense infrastructure, the premier called for federal investments in social and economic development in the North, including port improvements and a major fiber-optic link to southern Canada. Akeeagok highlighted the potential for Nunavut’s growth and urged Canada to extend nation-building efforts to the Arctic’s third and longest coast.
