Canada Unveils New Arctic Foreign Policy, Plans to Appoint Ambassador for Region

The Canadian government has unveiled a new Arctic foreign policy, which includes appointing an Arctic ambassador and establishing new consulates in Greenland and Alaska.

The updated Arctic policy, released on Dec. 6, emphasizes closer collaboration with the United States in the “North American Arctic.” Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly highlighted the need for this policy shift due to increasing incursions by foreign states like Russia and China in the region.

Joly stated, “Canada is an Arctic nation, and we are facing a critical moment. The Arctic is no longer a low-tension region. We live in a tough world, and we need to be tougher in our response.”

Canada plans to appoint an Arctic ambassador to advocate for the country’s interests in international forums and engage with Arctic and non-Arctic nations. Additionally, Canada will establish consulates in Anchorage, Alaska, and Nuuk, Greenland, to strengthen bilateral relations with these regions.

Furthermore, Ottawa aims to engage in boundary negotiations with the U.S. regarding the Beaufort Sea and implement the boundary agreement with Denmark concerning Hans Island reached in 2022.

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Defence Minister Bill Blair emphasized that the Canadian Armed Forces will be equipped to strengthen sovereignty in the region and provide northern communities with necessary infrastructure during the policy announcement.

Blair also mentioned the government’s $38.6 billion plan to modernize the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) to enhance interoperability with the U.S. This includes investments in a new surveillance system, additional air-to-air refuelling aircraft, infrastructure upgrades at NORAD airfields, and funding for science and technology.

The Arctic foreign policy has been in development for months and comes as Canada faces pressure to respond to the incoming U.S. administration. President-elect Donald Trump has threatened Canada with tariffs and criticized countries failing to meet NATO obligations.