Canada adds to $6B committed in early warning system in Arctic

By Barry Ellsworth

TRENTON, Canada (AA) - Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Tuesday that Canada will invest another CAN$420 million ($300 million) to $6 billion already committed to the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) to strengthen its sovereignty in the Arctic.

The system, using Australia’s over-the-horizon radar system to be installed along the Canada-US border, will monitor possible threats from hostile entities like China and Russia, officials said.

Canada is a partner with the US in NORAD, a system that defends the air space above both countries.

But US policies are “beginning to shift” and Canada can no longer look to others “to defend our nation,” said Carney. “We must invest in Canada’s north and defend our sovereignty.”

The $420 million will help protect Canada’s land, sea and air from foreign incursions, he said. Canada will also use the funds to deploy the Canadian Armed Forces on a year-round basis, he said.

“The radar system's long-range surveillance and threat-tracking capabilities will detect and deter threats across the North,” Carney's office said in a statement. Australia "will help make sure the system is developed and deployed quickly.”

Speaking from the far north territory of Nunavut‘s capital city of Iqaluit, Carney also announced $253 million for improvements in infrastructure, including upgrades in power plants in the far north settlements and initiatives like more affordable housing.

That, Carney said, will advance reconciliation with First Nations, Inuit and Metis peoples and strengthen Canada’s presence in the Arctic.

“Canada is and forever will be an Arctic nation.” He said, “and we can never take our sovereignty in the region for granted.”​​​​​​​