Latest news with #ArcticSovereignty
CBC
2 days ago
- Politics
- CBC
True sovereignty
Amidst all the buzz about the future of the Canadian Arctic, some Nunavummiut believe there's one voice missing — the young generation of Inuit who call this land home. Your browser does not support the video tag. Pause By Samuel Wat Jul. 27, 2025 Gazing at the land and water surrounding Apex Beach, Iqaluit's Manu Kunuk reflects on how his home in the Arctic has become a focal point for geopolitical tensions. There's a lot of uncertainty around the world right now, but if there's one thing he's sure about, that's the need for Inuit — and especially youth — to be at the heart of Arctic policy. 'We're the future of the land — we're going to be the next leaders,' he said. Like many Nunavummiut, Kunuk is still trying to learn about the true meaning of Arctic sovereignty, but he believes it starts with protecting the land and the people living on it. From a colonial perspective, sovereignty in Canada's North is often tied to military exercises, major infrastructure projects and defence spending — actions the government takes to show its control of the vast region. Less commonly explored is how Nunavut's communities and the people who live there are already at the heart of Arctic sovereignty. Nolan Qamanirq, from Arctic Bay, doesn't believe there is a word in Inuktitut that truly describes sovereignty, and it's hard to talk about land ownership because his ancestors didn't believe in that. 'The way the term is used today, especially in Ottawa and in places in Iqaluit, it really feels hollow. It's about military presence, mining approvals, transportation corridors. It's really not about what Inuit and communities prioritize,' he said. images expandAlassua Hanson set out on a Students on Ice expedition in the Arctic in 2016. This is one of several avenues she believes helps empower youth to become future leaders. The way the Canadian government is currently trying to reaffirm its borders in the Arctic makes Iqaluit's Alassua Hanson think back to the country's colonial history. 'I find the federal government does control Arctic sovereignty, in a way, because they did try to claim Nunavut before with the missionaries. And Inuit in general were trying to stay on their own land,' she said. These days, Hanson sees an increasing number of meetings, forums and summits about Arctic sovereignty. She believes some of those discussions should also happen inside the classroom and in youth groups. 'I think a lot of youth should be present or should be knowledgeable about ongoing things for Arctic sovereignty. And I don't think a lot of it is taught in school at all,' she said. Giving back to the community Three of Canada's main parties made military announcements in Iqaluit as part of their election campaign blitz earlier this year, but not all of those pledges involved consultation with local leaders. Nunavut's Premier, P.J. Akeeagok said he only learned about the Conservatives' Arctic announcement the day of, and he stressed the importance of consultations. Part of the Liberal government's own announcement in March was to establish three new military hubs in the North, with Iqaluit set to be home to one of them. At the time, the Department of National Defence said the hubs will consist of airstrips, logistics facilities and equipment and are intended to support military aircraft operations and also serve as storage for equipment and spare parts. 'Sovereignty isn't proven by planting a flag or opening a port. It's proven by a community's ability to feed itself, govern itself, and pass on knowledge without interference.' Nolan Qamanirq To many Canadian leaders, Iqaluit is a strategic location for missions in the Arctic. It has a functional airport and seaport that can accommodate both the navy and air force, for example, and it is also home to one of Canada's forward operating locations, which supports temporary missions. Yet Kunuk says he often struggles to find information about Arctic sovereignty and updates to what's happening in the territory. If the Canadian government is serious about sovereignty initiatives, he would like to see more information publicly shared about security developments. 'Hopefully community consultations, maybe even more training [if there is] supposed to be a military base here,' he said. Bringing Inuit into the conversation Despite all the talk, Hanson doesn't see much of a military presence in Nunavut. And when there is, she said she often doesn't see Inuit involved. She said she knows very little about what happens up in Alert, Nunavut, for example — the location of Canada's northernmost military outpost. She knows of a few people who head up there occasionally for work, but very few of them are Inuit. When there are members of the military in town, or people visiting for some Arctic security conference, she hasn't seen those visitors engaging much with the community. 'They could be more involved. They could provide food hampers, they could do a workshop on the meeting and what they're doing here. They could be present in the community rather than holding five day long meetings or get an opportunity to hear from the locals,' she said. She adds that youth should get the opportunity to hear about the results of the work these travellers are doing in the community. Creating global citizens Empowering Canada's future leaders has been a lifelong passion for Geoff Green. He founded Students on Ice (SOI) 25 years ago, which organizes educational expeditions — combining science and traditional knowledge — for youth to learn more about the Arctic. Talking about military spending and nation-building infrastructure projects is all well and good, he said, but he wonders where the investment is for youth. 'You're building a house of cards if you're not also investing in youth … they're going to be the ones we need for an upskilled workforce, and the leadership that's needed,' he said. In his view, a big part of youth empowerment comes from investments in education, plus programs to connect with the land and other youth around the world. He said there are more opportunities for youth nowadays compared to when he first founded SOI, but it's imperative that Canada builds on that. 'So engaging with youth from other parts of the world, seeing their worldviews, their knowledge bases, and having those friendships and relationships formed [early] are critical. We need global youth addressing global issues together,' he said. 'It's an investment in experiential education, which is truly one of the most proven and most powerful forms of education.' Kunuk echoes that sentiment, having been a delegate to international forums in the past, including to the Arctic Circle Assembly in Iceland last year. 'It really opens the doors for me, especially being here in Nunavut, in an isolated community and territory,' he said. images expandFor Manu Kunuk, Arctic sovereignty means ensuring the people living in the region are healthy and well. No flag or port can replace true sovereignty Ultimately, Qamanirq believes Arctic sovereignty can only exist if Canada recognizes the true priorities of northern communities. 'Sovereignty isn't proven by planting a flag or opening a port," he said. 'It's proven by a community's ability to feed itself, govern itself, and pass on knowledge without interference.' 'I don't think we need more youth leadership programs that teach us how to behave like bureaucrats. We need more programs that teach us our rights in our language, that explain what was negotiated in the land claims and what was left out," he added. Qamanirq also calls on Canada to be more open to partnerships with other countries in the circumpolar world, who share similar interests and challenges. 'If there was a serious attitude about sovereignty in the Arctic, [Canada] would let Inuit strengthen ties across the Arctic without forcing national policy filters. These connections are older than the borders and we shouldn't have to ask permission to remember them.' About the Author Footer Links My Account Profile CBC Gem Newsletters Connect with CBC Facebook Twitter YouTube Instagram Mobile RSS Podcasts Contact CBC Submit Feedback Help Centre Audience Relations, CBC P.O. 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Globe and Mail
6 days ago
- Politics
- Globe and Mail
Carney to meet Inuit leaders to discuss Bill C-5
Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to meet with Inuit leaders Thursday to discuss the government's major-projects legislation, a gathering that is expected to be different in size and tone than last week's summit with First Nations. Mr. Carney will co-chair the Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee, which includes Inuit leadership and federal ministers and meets regularly to discuss key issues. Along with the controversial Bill C-5, the committee is expected to discuss Arctic sovereignty and security, as well as housing and infrastructure. The summit, where Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami president Natan Obed is the other co-chair, is the second of three meetings Mr. Carney promised on Bill C-5. Part of the legislation allows the federal cabinet to deem projects to be of national interest and then exempt them from various laws in order to speed up approvals and construction. Indigenous communities have voiced concerns about the law, saying they are not against development but are concerned the legislation may impact their treaty rights. The government says Indigenous groups who may be affected by proposed projects will be fully consulted at key stages. Thursday's meeting will be relatively small. The committee makeup varies, but tends to have fewer than 20 people, compared with the hundreds who attended the First Nations meeting last week. As well, the four Inuit regions in Canada have all signed comprehensive land-claim agreements, known as modern treaties. Why First Nations are clashing with Ontario and Ottawa over bills aimed at speeding up megaprojects The third meeting, with Métis, will take place on Aug. 7, according to the Métis National Council. Inuvialuit Regional Corporation chair and chief executive Duane Ningaqsiq Smith, who represents Inuit living in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region of the Northwest Territories and Yukon, said he wants to hear what Mr. Carney has to say about the implementation of Bill C-5, including how he plans to work with Indigenous governments. There are already specific processes in place under his modern treaty for aspects such as procurement, he said, where the organization is working with various federal departments. Mr. Smith said he would like to see those processes enhanced. 'It's their treaty just as much as it is ours, so they have an obligation to live up to it and implement accordingly,' he said in an interview. 'I can't speak for the other regions, but for my region, we're prepared to hear the Prime Minister out in regards to how they would look to begin to implement that act and work proactively with us.' Mr. Smith said his region is looking to recognize the potential opportunities of Bill C-5, while also respecting Inuit rights. His organization is building a gas plant and developing a local well, which he said would provide energy security for the region. It may not meet the national-interest level, he said, but he wants to speak to Mr. Carney about it. Overall, Mr. Smith said he is 'cautiously optimistic' about the meeting. It's a chance to raise concerns about various issues, including gaps in basic services such as internet and health care. Professor Gary Wilson, chair of the political science department at the University of Northern British Columbia, said it will probably be easier for the federal government to manage its relationship with Inuit as a whole on Bill C-5, compared with First Nations, given there are fewer people involved. Inuit also tend to be more united, Prof. Wilson said in an interview, while First Nations have a lot of diverse views. Opinion: Mark Carney's 'build, baby, build' aspirations face a challenge from Indigenous leaders Unlike First Nations, all of the Inuit regions have signed modern treaties, he added, which provide more certainty over land use and economic development. For example, treaties include different categories of land that come with different rights, he said. While there are still issues around the government not respecting the treaties, policy disagreements and addressing past wrongs, Prof. Wilson said he thinks relations between Inuit and the federal government have been better since the creation of the Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee in 2017. 'I get the sense that Inuit are anxious to work with the government,' he said. Mr. Obed told senators in June that Bill C-5 risks creating the conditions for treaties to be infringed upon. He urged Parliament to take its time with the legislation, but it was passed in under a month. 'It creates the possibility of national interest projects ending up before the courts, with litigation causing significant delays in the national interest projects moving forward,' he said. Given that, Bill C-5 'may end up creating instability and ultimately undermining investor confidence, slowing the pace of investment needed in Inuit Nunangat,' he said, referring to the Inuit homeland.
CBC
18-07-2025
- Business
- CBC
Labrador to see development as Canada expands northern military defence
With Russia waging war to the west, threats to Canadian sovereignty to the south, and climate change threatening disaster— eyes are set on Canada's arctic as a hub of national defence. "There's a lot of focus on what is going to happen and protecting our sovereignty," said Victoria Belbin, CEO of the Atlantic Canada Aerospace and Defence Association (ACADA). On July 17, companies from across Atlantic Canada involved in defence, came together at the annual Maritime and Arctic Security and safety conference in St. John's. Due to climate change, waterways in the arctic are opening up, said Belbin, which means more countries are looking to access the north for trade. So, she also says threats to Canadian sovereignty are top of mind. "The urgency is now and [the] industry is showing that they're ready," said Belbin. The CEO says Labrador will have a growing role in the realm of global defence and security. She added that conversations are taking place surrounding the military presence already available in Labrador, such as the 5 Wing military base in Goose Bay. WATCH | Northern sovereignty is a hot-button issue at the St. John's conference: Labrador has important role to play in Arctic sovereignty, experts say 35 minutes ago At the Maritime and Arctic Security and Safety Conference being held in St. John's this week, experts from around the world have gathered to talk geopolitics, climate change and more as Canada looks north to expand defence. As the CBC's Abby Cole reports, that also comes with a newfound focus on what northern defence could mean for this province. Prime Minister Mark Carney r ecently announced his promise to increase defence spending to five per cent of the GDP by 2035. And now that more money is going toward defence spending, Belbin says some of Labrador's defence infrastructure will be updated. She also hopes to see more innovation surrounding Labrador's defence capabilities. "Our presence in the Arctic needs to be stronger, whether it's through ports and it's through infrastructure and with communities," said Belbin. Labrador development opportunities Military expansion in northern communities could also mean more opportunities for business development in Labrador. Garry Best, CEO of Nunatsiavut Group of Companies says they are already contributing to defence and security in Labrador today. And with Ottawa's promise of more defence spending, Best hopes to see a growth in opportunities, especially for the growing Inuit population. "Lots of young ladies and gentlemen who want to do things a little differently, keep their feet … in the traditional cultural areas," said Best, adding they'd also "explore opportunities in business, in defence and elsewhere [in] public service." Additionally, Best says increasing defence could mean upgrades elsewhere in Labrador. "Helping the communities perhaps upgrade their airstrips, upgrade the existing ports, provide employment opportunities and … build and maintain multi-use infrastructure," said Best. "That's why we're here talking to the defence industry and government people." Indigenous consultation emphasized While companies look to develop and expand in the north, Indigenous leaders say community consultation is a requirement. COO of CanArctic Inuit Networks, Madeleine Redfern, spoke at the conference about the importance of Indigenous consultation. Redfern hopes to see more meaningful consultation and partnership with the Inuit regions as defence is expanded across the North. "If we are not meaningfully consulted and we're not involved, then we actually have a legal challenge in a legal case to demonstrate that Canada and the proponents haven't fulfilled their obligation," she said.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Western premiers meet in Yellowknife to talk trade, energy and Arctic security
YELLOWKNIFE — Premiers from Western Canada are to meet Wednesday to kick off a two-day conference in Yellowknife. Set to attend are Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, British Columbia's David Eby, Saskatchewan's Scott Moe, Manitoba's Wab Kinew, Nunavut's P.J. Akeeagok, Yukon's outgoing Premier Ranj Pillai and Northwest Territories Premier R.J. Simpson. This annual conference comes two weeks before all Canada's premiers are to meet with Prime Minister Mark Carney in Saskatoon. A statement from Simpson's office last week said the western leaders are set to discuss a range of issues, including Arctic sovereignty, energy security, international trade and emergency preparedness. Housing, economic corridors and tariffs are also on the agenda. Smith said the meeting is taking place at a "critical moment" for Alberta, in the wake of last month's federal election. She said she plans to advocate for new pipelines. "We cannot afford federal overreach into provincial jurisdiction to continue or damaging federal policies to impact the upward trajectory of our economies," Smith said Tuesday in a statement. "I will be at the table to advocate for Alberta's interests, particularly the importance of new pipelines, in an effort to put the power of our economy back in the hands of western Canadians.' Eby said Tuesday that Western Canada is "leading the country, being the engine of the economy for Canada," but he lamented talk of western separatism in the lead-up to the meeting. 'I think it's really unfortunate that at this moment, when Western Canada is stepping into the spotlight, that there's any discussion at all about leaving Canada,' Eby told an unrelated news conference. 'I mean, to advance that at the moment, it's strange.' Akeeagok said in an email he's looking to push the conversation forward on Arctic security and infrastructure projects needed to strengthen it. The long-discussed Grays Bay Road and Port proposal, which would connect Yellowknife to the eastern Arctic coast by road, would help unlock the North's vast economic potential, he said. "The Arctic holds incredible promise and, through strategic investments in critical infrastructure, we can responsibly access key resources, including critical minerals," he said. A spokesperson for Moe said the premier plans to discuss items he recently urged Carney to act on, including strengthening the Criminal Code, giving provinces full responsibility for the industrial carbon levy, repealing clean electricity regulations and expanding pipelines. Moe has said he also wants Carney to immediately begin negotiations with China to remove Beijing's tariffs on Canadian agricultural goods. This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 21, 2025. — By Jack Farrell in Edmonton, with files from Jeremy Simes in Regina The Canadian Press Sign in to access your portfolio
CBC
15-05-2025
- Politics
- CBC
Canada's military plans to be in the Arctic 'on a near permanent basis,' says commander
Social Sharing Canada intends to expand its military training regime in the Arctic, deploying a variety of forces in the region for up to 10 months a year, starting this year, the military's operations commander says. Lt.-Gen. Steve Boivin says the military's signature Far North exercise — Operation Nanook — will see additional elements created, resulting in a greater, consistent presence in a region that is increasingly the focus of geopolitical rivalry. The plan, says one defence expert, is an unprecedented opportunity for the Liberal government to not only demonstrate Canadian sovereignty in the Arctic, but to rally NATO allies behind the country. Michael Byers, an expert in the Arctic and geopolitics at the University of British Columbia, says major allied nations should be invited in greater numbers than they have in the past as a signal of solidarity at a time when the Trump administration has said it wants to use economic force to annex Canada — and possibly military force to swallow Greenland. Boivin says inviting allies is part of the plan "when it makes sense" to have them join, but the intention is a national objective to get more Canadian boots on the ground, warships in the water and planes flying over the vast expanse of territory. "We want to be in the Arctic on a near permanent basis," Boivin told CBC News in a recent interview. "The current approach to Operation Nanook puts us in the Arctic for five to six months a year. We're looking at being there 10 plus months per year." WATCH | Plan for Arctic military increase part of sovereignty push: Canada plans Arctic military expansion as part of sovereignty push 6 hours ago Duration 2:02 Federal government increases emphasis on Arctic The Liberal government has put an increased emphasis on the Arctic, appointing a specific minister in this week's cabinet appointments and dropping an extra $420 million into the Department of National Defence budget to create a greater sustained military presence in the Far North. Boivin said the order to expand Operation Nanook predates the Liberal government's funding announcement. Military staff was told last September to draw up a revised, expanded schedule that will see seven training regimes (instead of the usual four) conducted under the annual exercise. The first exercise under the expanded training plan — Operation Nanook-Nunalivut — took place in February in the vicinity of Inuvik and Mackenzie River Delta, Northwest Territories. It involved 450 Canadian troops as well as approximately 110 armed forces members from the United States, Belgium, United Kingdom, Finland, Sweden, Norway and Denmark. Byers says the token presence of allies is important, but in the current geopolitical climate it could be leveraged to Canada's advantage even further. "One could think imaginatively about how our allies could support Canadian sovereignty," said Byers, who added he could see Canada extending an invitation to host a larger contingent of Danish troops for an exercise that would encompass not only the Canadian Arctic, but also Greenland. "If there's political will, there's a lot we can do in the short term that doesn't involve spending billions and billions of dollars on new equipment." Inviting larger numbers of European allies to conduct cold-weather exercises on Canadian soil would be a subtle, but unmistakable signal to the Trump administration that Canada has allies at its back. Don't shut U.S. out: Defence expert But Byers says that doesn't mean the United States should be shut out of the Canadian Arctic. Rather, he believes regularly extending invitations to the U.S. military and coast guard — and having Washington accept them — would be a shrewd way of pushing back against U.S. President Donald Trump's arguments that question Canada's nationhood. "By participating, they would be recognizing Canadian leadership, Canadian sovereignty," said Byers. Like it or not, he says, geography is still an important factor in Canada's relationship with its southern neighbour. "The interesting thing here is that if we invite them, we're giving consent, and by accepting an invitation they're recognizing that consent and thereby our sovereignty." Every year, Norway hosts a major multinational military on its soil and waters, known as Exercise Nordic Response, which can involve as many as 30,000 NATO troops and personnel. Canada has long resisted holding a NATO level exercise in the country's Far North, but the notion was floated a few years ago in defence circles following former NATO secretary general Jens Stoltenberg's visit to the Canadian Arctic. Ed Arnold, a senior research fellow at the U.K.-based Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), says that beyond nuanced legal arguments about sovereignty, a greater show of allied participation in Canada's North would be a shot in the arm for Canadian and European NATO morale. WATCH | Looking at what's needed to increase Canada's Arctic security: What Arctic (in)security looks like in Canada's North 1 month ago Duration 7:20 As the leaders of the major parties make election promises about Arctic security, CBC chief correspondent Adrienne Arsenault goes North, where a history of unfulfilled government promises has left strong opinions about what needs to happen next. Silence from allies a concern Arnold says it's likely not gone unnoticed that many of Canada's allies have kept their heads down and said little publicly about Trump's annexation threats and 51st State blustering. "I think from the Canadian point of view, and also the Danish point of view, they'd probably be pretty annoyed about that and pretty let down," said Arnold who pointed to the deafening silence from the U.K. government. "I think the worry is that allies notice this type of behaviour and in the current security environment and, you know, maintaining that unity, it is critical that the sort of more powerful nations in Europe stand up for the smaller nations." He did acknowledge, however, the importance of King Charles opening the latest session of the Canadian Parliament with the Speech from the Throne later this month.
