OTTAWA: Canada will boost its military and diplomatic presence in the Arctic to counter threats from Russia and other countries seeking to gain a foothold in the far north, unveiling a new policy on Friday. As part of
The government envisions deploying new patrol ships and naval destroyers, icebreakers and submarines capable of operating under ice sheets, as well as more aircraft and drones.
Along with the United States, it is modernizing continental defenses, including new maritime sensors and satellites to monitor the northern approach.
Ottawa has for years sought to manage the Arctic cooperatively with other states and keep it free from military competition, the foreign policy document said.
“However, conflict-stopping custodians are under enormous pressure,” Secretary of State Melania Jolie told a news conference.
“The Arctic is no longer a low-stress region,” he said, blaming Russian designs on the Arctic and deepening geopolitical rivalries.
Russia is also working in the north with China, which itself is seeking greater influence in the region’s governance, the minister said.
The Arctic is warming on average four times faster than the rest of the world. This opens up new opportunities for exploration and delivery of resources such as oil, gas and minerals. Defense Secretary Bill Blair warned that increased access was increasing security challenges.