PM Carney announces major investments in Arctic security, economy

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney was in Yellowknife Thursday, to announce a major strategy to invest in the development and protection of the country’s Northern regions.

Prime Minister Carney has vowed that the Canadian government would pay closer attention to Arctic regions, and he announced a multitude of new projects and investments, from new military bases, support for Arctic airports, and a boost for major Northern projects, such as the Mackenzie Valley Highway, and Taltson Hydro Expansion.

“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,” the Carney stated in a release.

“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.”

The announcements made today are as follows:

• $32 billion for new Forward Operating Locations in Yellowknife, Inuvik, and Iqaluit, creating a stronger military presence in the North in order to ensure Arctic security.
• $2.67 billion for four new Northern Operational Support Hubs, with two placed at Whitehorse and Resolute, and two at Cambridge Bay and Rankin Inlet.
• $294 million to support northern airports to allow for larger aircraft, and better year-round access for remote communities, while lowering travel costs for civilians and military personnel.
• The Mackenzie Valley Highway, Grays Bay Road and Port, Arctic Economic and Security Corridor, and Taltson Hydro Expansion Project are all being referred to the Major Projects Office, which helps to identify and advance initiatives that are believed to be of great interest to Canada’s economy, trade, and jobs.

Rebecca Alty, the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, said in a statement that these investments are about building a stronger future for the NWT and Nunavut, along with the other communities across the North.

“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.”