QUESTION PERIOD — National Defence
Arctic Sovereignty
December 13, 2023
My question is for the Government Representative in the Senate.
Senator Gold, Canadians often forget that we have a third coast in the North. It is critical to our national sovereignty and the protection of Indigenous peoples living in the Arctic that Canada can defend all three of its coasts. I understand that the government is working to procure several ships and submarines capable of maintaining Canadian Arctic sovereignty and that National Defence has been conducting training exercises in the High Arctic under Operation NANOOK.
Senator Gold, how does Canada compare with our Arctic neighbours in our capability to defend our national interests in the High Arctic?
Thank you for your question. I don’t think one can overstate the importance of doing what we need to do to defend our sovereignty in the North.
You are correct, senator, the government is making significant new investments in the Arctic, including investments in six new Arctic and offshore patrol ships, four of which, as I understand, have already been delivered. This is in addition to the important strategic investments made to enhance our northern defence capability, including those through the Strong, Secure, Engaged policy and through NORAD modernization commitments.
Thank you for that response. The United States is one of Canada’s closest allies and a fellow member of the Arctic Council. It is essential for Canadian Arctic sovereignty that we are on the same page as our allies and work together to promote peace in the High North.
At an Arctic Council meeting in Finland in 2019, U.S. Secretary of State Pompeo made suggestions that Canada’s claim to the Northwest Passage was illegitimate. How is the government working with our American and NATO allies on recognizing and maintaining Canadian Arctic sovereignty?
It’s a fundamental priority for this government to ensure Canadian sovereignty both on our land and in our waters; that includes safeguarding the Northwest Passage, which serves as a gateway to the Arctic. Neighbours always have disagreements, especially when it comes to borders and waters, but I can assure this chamber that the Canadian government is working closely with its allies, not only the United States but European allies as well, on common interests in defending the North, and this government will always defend Canada’s interests in that regard.
