Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for Saanich—Gulf Islands for asking about Canada's role in affirming Arctic sovereignty and appropriately citing the role of Arctic indigenous residents in protecting it. I am grateful for her sharing the article, which was also sent to me by a constituent of mine. I thank Karen. I think this is a reflection of how invested northerners are in Arctic sovereignty and Arctic security. Indeed, the member is correct in reminding us that Canada's sovereignty in the Arctic has always and should always depend on the presence and stewardship of Inuit Nunangat, northern first nations and all northern peoples.
As it happens, the foreign affairs committee is currently conducting a study on Arctic sovereignty, and I was able to participate in asking questions of the panel last week. In that time, I pointed out many areas where Arctic leaders and residents are taking the lead on Arctic defence, security and sovereignty, including with the upcoming Arctic summit in February 2026 in Whitehorse, which will bring together leaders from northern Canada, Alaska and Greenland to discuss Arctic security, infrastructure and economic development. It is hosted by the Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce and the Government of Yukon. As I said at committee, what leaders throughout the Arctic expressed is that they are here to partner with Canada in defining their sovereignty and protecting the Arctic from external threats, including climate-related environmental degradation and geopolitical threats.
Looking specifically at Nunavut through modern land claim agreements, Inuit governments manage vast lands and coastlines across Inuit Nunangat. The co-developed Inuit Nunangat policy ensures that every federal program and service in the region supports Inuit prosperity and self-determination. It is guided by a simple principle: nothing about us without us. That same co-development approach is foundational to the Arctic and northern policy framework.
Our government's defence policy update, “Our North, Strong and Free”, recognizes that the Arctic is warming at four times the global average. Melting sea ice has opened up new shipping routes and attracted foreign interest. Climate threats are as pressing as geopolitical security threats. That is why our new government has made defending the Arctic one of Canada's highest national priorities by increasing our presence, sharpening our awareness and strengthening our ability to respond. We are modernizing our defence with Arctic and polar over-the-horizon sensors and enhanced undersea detection, delivering earlier warning, better tracking and faster response to any threats to Canada's north.
We are also growing a persistent, visible presence at sea. The Harry DeWolf-class Arctic and offshore patrol ships are now operating each summer navigation season. Canada has also awarded contracts to two new polar icebreakers to ensure access to the High Arctic. Operating together, they will ensure continuous icebreaker function in the region, which is in collaboration with Finland. I was grateful to have the opportunity recently to meet with the Canadian ambassador to Finland to learn how this project is already revitalizing shipbuilding in Helsinki.
Members of the Canadian Rangers, drawn from northern communities, continue to patrol, mentor and support operations across the north. Under “Our North, Strong and Free”, we are enhancing their equipment and mobility so they can do even more of what they do best: local leadership on the land and rapid support to civil authorities for search and rescue and emergency response.
There is so much more to tell, and I again thank the member for Saanich—Gulf Islands for citing the article and raising the issue. In partnership with indigenous and territorial governments, and indeed all who live in the Arctic, we must continue to protect and define Canada's sovereignty so that the Arctic remains peaceful, secure and protected.
