A 2025 analysis by L’Observatoire de la politique et la sécurité de l’Arctique (OPSA) says environmental change is already straining 56 military and paramilitary sites across Inuit Nunangat, raising operational risks for Canada’s northern defence infrastructure, according to Eye on the Arctic.
The study highlights Yellowknife—home to Joint Task Force North—as a vulnerable hub, with projected flooding of just over one metre under a high-emissions scenario and elevated permafrost-thaw risk, the report said. The analysis also warned that disruption to Yellowknife’s airport or military headquarters would be felt beyond defence operations because the city has more than 20,000 residents and supports logistics for smaller communities, according to Eye on the Arctic.
Runway capacity was identified as a key constraint. The analysis said only 13% of airstrips across Inuit Nunangat can accommodate the Canadian Armed Forces’ C-17 Globemaster and 48% can handle Hercules aircraft—figures the author said could shrink as thaw destabilizes runways, according to Eye on the Arctic.
The study also focused on the North Warning System, describing many of the 47 Canadian radar stations as located on permafrost or eroding coastlines, with some sites facing potential flooding of up to 2.3 metres, Eye on the Arctic reported.
Key details
- Yellowknife’s Joint Task Force North headquarters was assessed as “very high” risk in the OPSA analysis, with flood and permafrost-thaw exposure cited by the study’s author, according to Eye on the Arctic.
- Airstrip limitations were described as the biggest operational bottleneck for northern deployments in the analysis, with the author emphasizing airports as essential community infrastructure as well as defence enablers, Eye on the Arctic reported.
- North Warning System sites were flagged for coastal erosion and permafrost instability, with flood exposure up to 2.3 metres cited for some locations, according to Eye on the Arctic.
Ottawa has recently tied northern transportation projects to both community access and defence readiness through the Arctic Infrastructure Fund, a $1 billion program over four years announced November 21, 2025, to support dual-use transportation projects including airports, seaports, and all-season roads, the federal government said.
That fund sits alongside a broader trade-build package announced the same day, including the Trade Diversification Corridors Fund, which the government said will invest $5 billion over seven years to strengthen port, rail, and road corridors aimed at expanding non-U.S. exports.
In the Northwest Territories and Nunavut, the Government of the Northwest Territories describes the Arctic Economic & Security Corridor (AESC) as a partnership-led initiative intended to strengthen Arctic sovereignty, support critical minerals supply chains, and connect communities through a proposed transportation link extending to an Arctic Ocean port via the Grays Bay Road and Port project. The Canada Infrastructure Bank says it has signed a memorandum of understanding for up to $3 million in project-acceleration funding with West Kitikmeot Resources Corp. to advance development work on the Grays Bay Road and Port project.
Federal procurement rules have also shifted in late 2025. Public Services and Procurement Canada said the Buy Canadian Policy took effect December 16, 2025, applying immediately to large strategic procurements valued at $25 million and over and expanding to contracts valued at $5 million and above by spring 2026, while requiring Canadian-produced steel, aluminum, and wood products in large federal construction and defence projects.
A Treasury Board policy notice also describes Buy Canadian measures alongside associated amendments affecting procurement management and trade tribunal processes. Separately, Norton Rose Fulbright said Budget 2025 signalled a move to default Canadian suppliers where possible for defence and national interest projects, and cited a Prime Minister’s Office announcement indicating Canadian steel, aluminum, and softwood lumber requirements above a $250,000 value threshold and proposed steps to limit Canadian International Trade Tribunal review of Buy Canadian issues.
On communications, the federal government said it has established a strategic partnership with Telesat and MDA Space under the Enhanced Satellite Communications Project – Polar to provide wideband and narrowband connectivity supporting Arctic operations.
On Indigenous ownership and participation, the federal Crown corporation Canada Development Investment Corporation says the Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program was doubled to $10 billion in March 2025 and expanded beyond energy and natural resources to major projects across most sectors. The federal government also said the Iqaluit Nukkiksautiit Hydroelectric Project—described as a proposed 15–30 MW facility that could replace Iqaluit’s diesel-generated electricity—has been referred to the Major Projects Office for further review.
The legislative framework for fast-tracking projects of national interest includes the Building Canada Act, which states a federal commitment to partnership with provincial, territorial, and Indigenous governments and to respecting section 35 rights and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The federal government has also posted guidance on Indigenous engagement and consultation related to major projects.
In a joint statement following the Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee meeting in Inuvik, the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation said the Prime Minister announced Virginia Mearns’ appointment as Canada’s Arctic Ambassador, effective September 15, 2025, and outlined a mandate including Arctic engagement with partners, sovereignty, and opportunities for security and growth.
