Thank you, Mayor Hendriksen.
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Canada's new defence industrial strategy is focused on rebuilding, rearming and reinvesting in our armed forces. That means strengthening our ability to operate in the north, because Arctic readiness isn't optional; it's essential.
Yellowknife isn't just remote; it's ready. It offers the most capacity in Canada at its northern position. Today I want to share six reasons that Yellowknife is an ideal location for defence industry development and cold-weather testing and that it must be part of a national strategy that includes the north.
First, Yellowknife has a stable economy, higher than average household incomes and low unemployment. It's already a hub for Arctic logistics and mining and the strategic centre of the Canadian north, which means that the supply chains, expertise and infrastructure are in place. The Northwest Territories is rich in critical minerals—25 of Canada's 34 essential minerals—making it a key player in Canada's green transition and global partnerships. Leveraging these assets for defence makes sense. It strengthens sovereignty, supports innovation and ensures that our forces are ready for northern operations.
Second, Yellowknife is the northern and Arctic logistics hub. It sits on the shores of Great Slave Lake, right in the heart of Canada's north. From here, you have year-round access through a 24-7 airport and all-weather roads. The airport is just five minutes from downtown and connects directly to major cities like Edmonton, Calgary, Toronto and Vancouver. Seasonal ice roads extend the reach even further, providing cost-effective access to remote areas that are perfect for simulating real Arctic deployment conditions. The Northwest Territories is the strategic centre for military operations and satellite communications and houses critical infrastructure like the North Warning System and the only road to the Arctic Ocean. Yellowknife's location supports not only regional but national defence priorities, including sovereignty, cybersecurity and diplomatic outreach with pan-Arctic partners.
Third, when we talk about testing Arctic equipment for Arctic operations, we need real-world conditions. Yellowknife delivers that. Winters here are long, harsh and unforgiving, but beautiful, with extreme temperatures and challenging terrain including taiga and tundra ecosystems. These diverse landscapes provide ideal conditions for testing gear, vehicles and technology in true subarctic and Arctic environments. We should also consider the potential for a dedicated training and testing facility in Yellowknife, one that serves military, allied and industrial research purposes. This would position Yellowknife as a centre of excellence for cold-weather innovation.
Fourth is infrastructure and support services. Yellowknife has built infrastructure and expertise that remote operations demand. The city has reliable power, communications, health care and emergency services. It's home to businesses that specialize in logistics, transportation, engineering and environmental services. These companies are already supporting mining and Arctic operations, and they understand what it takes to move people and equipment safely and efficiently in northern conditions. Strategic investment in dual-use infrastructure, such as runways, satellite stations, roads and energy can simultaneously advance military readiness, community resilience and economic development.
Fifth, the region has over 80 years of mining and exploration experience. This means a workforce that knows how to operate through tough conditions. Aurora College and the NWT Mine Training Society provide specialized training and programs, ensuring a steady supply of skilled labour for technical and logistical roles. Over 800 individuals have been placed in mining jobs through these programs, and that experience translates directly into defence projects.
Finally, Yellowknife is a strong collaborator with indigenous governments and organizations. These partnerships are not just good practice; they're essential for sustainable development that aligns with Canada's reconciliation commitments. Joint ventures like Det'on Cho and Tlicho Investment Corporation show that indigenous participation drives growth and strengthens community ties. Modern treaty and self-government agreements contain rights, jurisdictions and authorities that can be honoured and leveraged to promote economic resilience and sustainable Arctic security.
In closing, when we talk about rebuilding and reinvesting in Canada's defence capabilities, Yellowknife isn't just a good option; it's a strategic asset. While we must think nationally, not just regionally, about our defence industrial strategy, the inclusion of the north is vital. We may not have a homegrown defence sector due to our size, but we can bring industry here. This aligns with federal policies like the Arctic and northern policy framework. What better way is there to exercise sovereignty than to establish an industrial presence and build technical expertise here?
Choosing Yellowknife means shaping Canada's Arctic advantage through innovation, collaboration and strategic investment.
Thank you.