Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced plans to strengthen Canada’s Arctic defense by expanding the Canadian Armed Forces’ presence and adopting Australia’s over-the-horizon radar technology to monitor potential threats from nations like China and Russia.
During a stop in Iqaluit on his return from diplomatic meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Carney also pledged $253 million for Indigenous reconciliation efforts in the North. This funding includes $94 million for upgrading power plants in Nunavut, $20 million for a hydroelectric project to reduce reliance on diesel, and $74 million for housing development, with $66 million dedicated to building and repairing homes across the region.
Carney’s announcement follows discussions with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese regarding a new long-range over-the-horizon radar system, expected to be operational by 2029. Senior officials emphasized that Australia’s system is more advanced and quicker to implement than other options, and its compact footprint in southern Ontario will consist of monitoring pillars across 1.3 kilometers.
Additionally, the government will invest $420 million to establish three to four new year-round military operations in the Arctic, similar to the existing Alert, Nunavut station.
This announcement comes amid speculation about an early federal election, as Carney, who recently became Prime Minister after winning the Liberal leadership, has seen a boost in support following U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade threats and Justin Trudeau’s departure from politics.
