politics
Canada to Strengthen Maritime Security in the Arctic
The Government of Canada will invest $816 million to enhance the Canadian Coast Guard's situational awareness and federal visibility in the Arctic.
Published
Recently, Canadian Minister of National Defense Minister David J. McGuinty launched a new initiative for maritime security in the North.
Over the next seven years, the government will invest 816 million Canadian dollars to strengthen the Canadian Coast Guard’s ability to monitor Arctic waters. Four key projects are highlighted:
Establishment of a year-round maritime domain awareness hub in Iqaluit, Nunavut, to enhance the Coast Guard’s ability to collect and analyze maritime intelligence.
Acquisition of new surveillance cameras, high-intensity searchlights, and other equipment for helicopters to enhance their reconnaissance capabilities.
Establishment of four new Arctic long-range marine radar sites at strategic points along the Northwest Passage and the Hudson Strait.
Acquisition of aerial, surface and subsurface drones to extend the reach of the Coast Guard from land or sea.
The investments come in the wake of a new law – Strengthening Canada’s Immigration Systems and Borders Act – which gives the Coast Guard greater responsibility for collecting and sharing intelligence related to Canadian waters with partners such as the armed forces, police and the border services agency.
“Canada has the world’s longest coastline, 70 percent of which is in the Arctic. Maritime security is fundamental to our national security. Strengthening our presence in northern waters will allow the Canadian Coast Guard to better monitor the North Atlantic and Arctic,” says Minister McGuinty.
In March, Canadian Prime Minister Mike Carney launched an extensive plan to strengthen military defense and societal development in the country's Arctic and northern areas. The plan includes investments of CAD 32 million in military infrastructure and CAD 294 million in airport upgrades.
