During the Northern Premier’s Forum, Western Premiers Conference, and at last week’s Council of the Federation, my provincial and territorial colleagues and I spoke at length about security and sovereignty in Canada’s Arctic.

As all Yukoners know, the geopolitical context of our region is changing, and Canada must keep pace to ensure northerners and northern communities are not left behind.

Recently, the Senate of Canada issued a report about Arctic security.

This report is centrered around three themes: the international security environment and the Arctic, Arctic security and increased access to the region; and military capabilities and security infrastructure in the Arctic.

In May 2022, northern premiers and Indigenous leaders from across the North issued the Pan-Northern Leaders’ Statement on Climate Change.

As well, my territorial counterparts and I issued a communiqué in May 2023 calling for more support for infrastructure and clean energy initiatives, including investment from federal and private sector partners to support Arctic security and sovereignty.

It is my priority as the premier of the Yukon to ensure that our people are safe, housed, healthy and secure.

Recent global events have increased awareness around the issue of Arctic security and sovereignty.

Along with my counterparts in the other territories, I have been advocating in all my meetings with federal ministers for federal investment in Arctic security and sovereignty that respects northern and Indigenous voices, and ensures Yukon communities are welcoming places that have the services, supports, and infrastructure that people and businesses need to thrive.

It is time that Ottawa recognizes that the social and economic security of people living in the North is critical to Canada’s national security.

We need federal investment in multi-purpose infrastructure that meets local and territorial needs.

We need the federal government to prioritize improvements to broadband Internet connectivity, roads and bridges, health and wellness, grid connection, and in the socio-economic development of northern communities.

As the Canadian Armed Forces makes efforts to achieve its goal of net-zero emissions by 2050, the federal government will need to make major investments in proven reliable clean energy sources in a region that has historically been reliant on fossil fuels.

These investments will not only bolster Arctic security, but will help reduce the cost of living for northerners who are bearing the brunt of rapidly rising fuel prices.

Northern premiers have been calling for these investments, and I can say on behalf of my colleagues in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut that we are glad to see this language reflected in the Senate of Canada’s report.

We are also glad to see the Senate recognize the importance of having First Nations governments and treaty rights holders at the table.

This is not just about benefitting from Indigenous knowledge and skill; it is about economic participation in Arctic security. This can be a valuable tool for advancing reconciliation with First Nations.

The Government of Canada must not only actively listen to and involve local, territorial and Indigenous leadership from the North when developing defence policies around Arctic security, but it is critical that Canada takes action and invests in the North, for the safety and security of Canada and Canadians.

Ranj Pillai is premier of the Yukon.

By RANJ PILLAI