Assuring security and Canadian sovereignty in the Arctic requires not only military responses, but a “whole-of-society approach,” a McGill University roundtable heard.
“We can’t view the Canadian Armed Forces as the beginning, middle and end of the solution,” said Vincent Rigby, Slater Family Professor of Practice at McGill’s Max Bell School of Public Policy and former National Security and Intelligence Advisor to Canada’s prime minister. “They are part of the answer, but the bigger picture involves governments at all levels, Indigenous communities, the private sector and international allies.”
Rigby emphasized that the region’s security is inextricably linked to the well-being of its people.
“When Indigenous communities say that you can’t have national security without human security, they’re absolutely right. That means housing, health care, connectivity – everything that enables a community to thrive. You can’t build a lasting presence without addressing those basic needs.”
Indigenous partnerships at the centre
The Sept. 17 event, led by Brigadier-General Dan Rivière, Commander of Joint Task Force North, brought defence officials, academics and other stakeholders to McGill’s Desautels Faculty of Management for a frank discussion.
Rivière agreed with Rigby that Indigenous communities are central to the success of any Arctic strategy. The Canadian Rangers, who number around 5,000 and are largely Indigenous, serve as the Canadian Armed Forces’ eyes and ears in the North.
“These communities are not just partners, they are foundational to our operations,” said Rivière. “There are 72 communities across the region, each with unique knowledge and needs.”
Rigby added: “Indigenous businesses and leadership are vital, not just for security, but for infrastructure development and economic opportunity. There’s enormous potential here if we approach it with trust and genuine partnership.”
Complexity on the front lines
Rivière outlined the immense scale and operational difficulty of securing Canada’s Arctic, where only around 400 armed forces personnel are responsible for a region spanning over 8 million square kilometres.
“The Arctic is not the same Arctic everywhere,” he said. “Iqaluit and Resolute Bay each have very different needs. It’s a triad of challenges: energy, transport and communications. And everything hinges on logistics, whether that’s moving supplies or deploying people across the terrain.”
The Canadian Armed Forces are working to expand Operation NANOOK, their flagship northern training and sovereignty operation, into a year-round initiative. Traditionally held in the summer, NANOOK involves joint exercises with federal departments, territorial governments and international partners. Rivière said extending the operation across seasons will allow for more meaningful research and testing, especially in areas like long-range communications and autonomous delivery systems that could help overcome geographic constraints.
A role for universities
One theme of the roundtable was the importance of academic institutions in informing Canada’s Arctic policy. From providing a neutral space for dialogue, to driving research and innovation, universities like McGill are increasingly essential players.
“Universities bring incredible value. Whether it’s public policy thinking, strategic insight or technological innovation, academic institutions can support government in a way that few other actors can. And this roundtable is a great example of that,” Rigby said.
Added Rivière: “As we build new engagement teams, there’s an opportunity to bring in scientists and observers. McGill could absolutely play a role there.”
McGill’s Max Bell School previously partnered with the Wilson Center in Washington to host a binational forum on Arctic co-operation, involving Indigenous leaders, public servants and private sector actors. Rigby believes that kind of convening power can help shape more effective policy.
“We can’t afford to work in silos. The Canadian Armed Forces benefit from hearing other perspectives. And so do we. These conversations need to happen more often, both in the South and in the North.”
Looking ahead
As Canada moves forward with its defence policy Our North, Strong and Free, and its strategic BOREALIS initiative and continues to invest in NORAD modernization, Rivière and Rigby agreed that maintaining momentum on collaboration is crucial. Events such as the roundtable are in keeping with the principles that underpin federal policy, which emphasizes inclusive, community-driven approaches.
“We’re part of a growing Arctic security circuit,” said Rivière. “But the real value of roundtables like this one is the exchange of ideas. It helps validate our thinking – or challenge it. We had people from all over – senior public servants, academics, Coast Guard partners. The depth and richness of the questions were impressive. The brain power here is humbling.”
For Rigby, the bottom line is clear.
“Defence and security in the Arctic can’t be handled alone. This is about more than patrols and equipment, it’s about building strong, sustainable communities. And for that, we need everyone at the table.”