Canada is increasing its military presence in the Arctic, investing C$2.67 billion ($1.86 billion) over 20 years to enhance support hubs in Inuvik, Yellowknife, and Iqaluit.

The plan aims to deter Chinese and Russian influence while addressing calls from the Trump administration for higher defense spending.

The funding will improve airstrips, logistics, and equipment for military operations.

This move comes as Canada’s defense spending remains below NATO’s 2% GDP target, a goal that Canada’s upcoming leadership candidates, Mark Carney and Chrystia Freeland, have promised to meet sooner than Prime Minister Trudeau’s 2032 timeline, Bloomberg has reported.

Written by B.C. Begley