Canada bolstering Arctic presence in face of Russia threat

OTTAWA: Canada will boost its military and diplomatic presence in the Arctic to counter what it calls threats from Russia and others seeking a foothold in the far north, as part of a new doctrine unveiled on Friday.

The government envisions the deployment of new patrol ships and navy destroyers, ice breakers and submarines capable of operating beneath ice sheets, as well as more aircraft and drones.

Along with the United States it is modernising continental defences including surveillance of northern approaches with new maritime sensors and satellites.

The foreign policy document notes that Ottawa for years has sought to manage the Arctic cooperatively with other states and keep it free from military competition.

“However, guardrails that prevent conflicts are increasingly under immense strain,” Foreign Minister Melanie Joly told a news conference.

“The Arctic is no longer a low-tension region,” she said, blaming Russian designs on the Artic and deepening geopolitical rivalries.

The minister said Russia was also teaming up in the far north with China, which is itself seeking greater influence in the governance of the region.

The Arctic is warming on average four times faster than the rest of the world. That is opening up new opportunities for shipping and exploration of resources like oil, gas and minerals. The growing access is heightening security challenges, Defence Minister Bill Blair warned.