On June 11, 2021, The Policy Insights Forum welcomed Marisol Maddox, Arctic Analyst at the Polar Institute of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars; Col (ret’d) Pierre Blanc, former Commander of the Canadian Armed Forces; and MGen (ret’d) Charles (Duff) Sullivan, Managing Director at Boeing Canada, to discuss a National Security strategy for the Arctic. Moderated by PIF Vice-Chair Dr. J. Paul de B. Taillon, the conversation covered the National Security Strategy for the Arctic from a U.S. -Canadian perspective.

Diving straight into the matter, the speakers emphasized the converging systemic risks and traditional state competition in a rapidly warming Arctic. Ms. Maddox characterized climate change as a critical threat multiplier, warming the region 3 times faster than the global average. As a result, it drives the need for systems-level thinking, international scientific cooperation, and dialogue on risk reduction. Maddox accentuated the stabilizing role of international law and called for resuming military dialogue and procedures to prevent accidental escalation. Recognizing Russia’s significant military remobilization, China has self-proclaimed its status as a “near-Arctic state.”

The discussion then focused on physical sovereignty, domain awareness, and operational requirements in Canada’s North. Col (ret’d) Blanc then narrowed the immediate risks of increased maritime access to environmental disasters, search-and-rescue challenges, and infrastructure degradation from melting permafrost. To counter these vulnerabilities, he supported expanding domain awareness through Over-the-Horizon radar and Low Earth Orbit Satellite Constellations. These include upgrading deep-water infrastructure in Resolution Bay, paving northern runways, and expanding the Canadian Coast Guard’s mandate to include enforcement capabilities.

The conversation then turned to military and technological dimensions of continental Defence, NORAD modernization, and commercial integration. MGen Sullivan discussed the vast operational challenges of enforcing sovereignty in the High Arctic, noting that domain awareness is the foundation of security. He thoroughly explained that the global battlespace digital network is essential for tracking multi-domain activity. The network includes integrating fusion sensors, counter-stealth technology, space assets, and autonomous platforms. He stressed that while military readiness is necessary to maintain the threat, the Arctic should remain a peaceful, rules-based commercial zone where international partners cooperate on environmental management, search and rescue, and safe maritime transit.

To close the discussion, the advisors addressed audience questions regarding Arctic governance, NATO’s role, and diplomatic transparency. They agreed that maintaining a rule-based order can enhance intelligence. Sharing among the Five Eyes and NATO allies, and investigating dual-use Northern infrastructure, are essential to maintaining the backbone of the cohesive US-Canadian Arctic Strategy. In conclusion, Col. Blanc and Ms. Maddox state that transparency and long-term presence remain the most effective tools to prevent missteps, secure environmental resilience, and protect sovereign national interest across the region.