Canada looks to reinforce Arctic sovereignty through diplomacy, military, says minister

National Defence Minister Anita Anand is planning a trip to the Arctic, as she gathers her allied counterparts in Arctic countries for a joint discussion on the security of the region in light of Russian aggression in Ukraine. 

Anand told CBC News she spoke to all three territorial premiers on Friday about her intention to visit. The minister said she is also having ongoing discussions with the defence ministers of Sweden, Finland, Norway and Denmark.

"What is so important is the collective will to act together as allies regarding Arctic sovereignty," Anand said. 

Anand said she will soon introduce a spending plan for modernizing the North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD), a bilateral organization between the U.S. and Canada created to defend the continent from air attack. 

"It is extremely important for NORAD modernization that we have these continued discussions," she said.

Ottawa has committed to work with the U.S. on replacing the North Warning System with technology that includes next-generation over-the-horizon radar systems that can detect targets at long ranges. 

Anand also said Ottawa is buying new military equipment, including two new polar ice breakers, and is expected to award a contract for 88 new fighter jets this year. 

Canada began an Arctic air defence operation Monday, known as Noble Defender, with the U.S. that will run until March 17 and include flying over sparsely populated areas at high altitudes.

"This exercise will have a deterrent and defensive effect," Anand said.

"We are very much aware and prepared to undertake additional exercises as necessary."

The Canadian Armed Forces on HMCS Brandon are additionally training in mine warfare with the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard as part of exercise Arctic Edge off the coast of Juneau, Alaska.

The exercise involves military personnel using remote underwater vehicles to practice finding and removing mines from the sea bed.

"The theme of the exercise really is building relationships with other security partners in the Arctic," said Lt.-Cmdr. Mike Wills, the commanding officer of HMCS Brandon.

"The conflict in Ukraine didn't result in the scheduling of this exercise, but certainly it perhaps highlights the importance."