Key Takeaways
- The Arctic region is becoming increasingly important in international relations due to foreign threats and the need to assert sovereignty.
- Canada’s relationships with Russia and the US are crucial in maintaining security and sovereignty in the Arctic.
- The region’s natural resources, including critical minerals and oil and gas, are highly sought after by global powers.
- Canada needs to increase its defence spending and invest in infrastructure to strengthen its presence in the Arctic.
- The US and Russia’s actions in the region may have significant implications for Canada’s security and sovereignty.
Introduction to the Arctic Region
The Arctic region has undergone significant changes in recent years, with sovereignty and security becoming dominant themes in international relations. As a former senator for Nunavut and premier of the Northwest Territories, Dennis Patterson has had a front-row seat to these developments. In the 1980s, Canada’s Circumpolar Affairs Program supported northern Canadians and territorial governments in engaging with their Russian counterparts, leading to meaningful exchanges and cooperation. For example, Canadian engineers and architects were hired to build a village in Yakutia, Russia, which generated over $100 million in revenue. This cooperation was built on a foundation of goodwill and a desire to learn from one another, with both countries recognizing their shared interests and values as northern nations.
Historical Context: Cooperation and Friendship
During the 1980s, Canada and Russia enjoyed a period of cooperation and friendship, with Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev proposing an Arctic Zone of Peace in 1987. This initiative aimed to reduce military activity in the North and establish a nuclear-free zone. Canada and the US also collaborated on environmental issues, such as reducing acid rain in the Great Lakes region. However, this period of cooperation was not without its challenges, as the US proposed testing cruise missiles in the Northwest Territories, which was met with resistance from northern communities and the Canadian government. Despite these challenges, the relationships built during this period laid the groundwork for future cooperation and understanding between Canada and Russia.
Shifting Geopolitics
However, the current geopolitical landscape is vastly different. The US, under President Donald Trump, has warned Canada that it will no longer defend the country if it does not increase its defence spending. Trump has also expressed ambitions to make Canada the 51st state and has not ruled out using force to "take" Greenland. Meanwhile, Russia, under President Vladimir Putin, has been developing its Arctic coast, building military airfields, bases, and ports, and launching sites for hypersonic missiles. These developments have significant implications for Canada’s security and sovereignty, as the country’s aging North Warning System may not be able to detect these new threats.
Consequences of Russian Aggression
Putin’s unprovoked attack on Ukraine has alarmed Russia’s European and Nordic neighbours, leading to increased defence spending and the decision by Sweden and Finland to join NATO. Canada has also taken steps to increase its defence spending, with Prime Minister Mark Carney pledging to raise it to 5% of GDP. Additionally, Canada has announced plans to create a new reservist army of 300,000 soldiers. These developments demonstrate the growing concern about Russia’s aggression and the need for Canada to strengthen its military presence in the Arctic.
Impact on the Arctic
The developments in the Arctic have significant implications for Canada’s security and sovereignty. The US and Russia’s actions in the region may lead to a new era of competition and potentially even conflict. The speculation about a US-Russia deal to open up the Arctic to American companies and grant access to Russia’s critical minerals and oil and gas reserves is a concern. This could lead to new shipping routes to Asia, bypassing Singapore, and potentially putting northern Canada and Greenland on the US radar. While this scenario may seem far-fetched, it highlights the need for Canada to prioritize its Arctic policy and invest in infrastructure to strengthen its presence in the region.
Conclusion and Future Directions
As Canada looks ahead to 2026, it is essential to recognize the importance of the Arctic region in international relations. The country needs to invest in infrastructure, increase its defence spending, and prioritize its Arctic policy to maintain its security and sovereignty. The announcement by Global Affairs Minister Anita Anand that the Arctic is Canada’s top foreign policy priority is a step in the right direction. The opening of a new consulate in Greenland is also a positive development. However, more needs to be done to address the challenges posed by the US and Russia’s actions in the region. By taking a proactive and informed approach, Canada can ensure that its interests are protected and its sovereignty is maintained in the face of growing global competition.
