Look at a map of Canada and one fact becomes impossible to miss.
We are an Arctic country.
The North represents an enormous portion of Canadian territory, yet many Canadians living near the southern border rarely think about it.
That needs to change.
The Arctic is becoming increasingly important economically, environmentally and strategically. Governments are paying greater attention to northern shipping routes, minerals, military capabilities and surveillance. Russia remains a major Arctic military power, while China has demonstrated growing strategic interest in the region.
Canada’s Arctic cannot therefore remain something we simply colour red on a map and assume the world will recognize forever.
Sovereignty requires presence.
During 2026, the Canadian Armed Forces expanded operations throughout Canada’s Arctic and North. Operation NANOOK-NUNALIVUT involved approximately 1,300 Canadian Armed Forces members, and Operation NANOOK-NUNAKPUT launched in August around Resolute Bay to strengthen surveillance, mobility and Canada’s sustained northern presence.
The Canadian Coast Guard is also deploying nine icebreakers during its 2026 Arctic season. Those vessels perform practical work ranging from community resupply to supporting Canadian government operations while reinforcing Canada’s presence in northern waters.
This is what sovereignty actually looks like.
People.
Infrastructure.
Ships.
Aircraft.
Communications.
Radar.
Search and rescue.
Communities.
Economic activity.
And the ability to reach Canadian territory when necessary.
Canadian nationalism in the 21st century needs a northern dimension.
For generations, Canadians have used phrases such as “True North Strong and Free.” The North appears in our anthem, our imagery and our national mythology.
But symbolism must eventually be matched by capability.
A country cannot simply announce that a vast territory belongs to it and then leave enormous sections inaccessible.
Northern sovereignty should also never be discussed as though the Arctic were empty.
Inuit and other Indigenous communities have lived in Canada’s North for generations beyond counting. Their knowledge, communities and continued presence are inseparable from Canada’s northern identity.
A serious Arctic nationalism therefore cannot simply mean sending military equipment north from Ottawa.
It means working with the people who already live there.
It means infrastructure that improves northern lives as well as national defence.
Better transportation.
Reliable communications.
Housing.
Ports.
Airfields.
Energy infrastructure.
Search and rescue capacity.
Economic opportunity.
A stronger North should make Canada more secure while making northern communities stronger.
These goals should reinforce one another.
There is another reason Canadians should care about Arctic sovereignty.
Geography is destiny.
Canada possesses an extraordinary amount of territory and natural wealth. That has always been one of our greatest national advantages.
But natural advantages remain advantages only when a nation possesses the will and capacity to protect them.
Canadians should know the communities of the North.
We should understand the Northwest Passage.
We should follow developments in Arctic security.
We should celebrate the people who live and work there.
And we should insist that Canadian governments of every political stripe treat the Arctic as a permanent national priority.
The North is not Canada’s distant backyard.
It is Canada.
And if Canadians want future generations to inherit the same country shown on our maps today, we must behave like an Arctic nation rather than simply call ourselves one.
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