Labrador to see development as Canada expands northern military defence

With Russia waging war to the west, threats to Canadian sovereignty to the south, and climate change threatening disaster— eyes are set on Canada's arctic as a hub of national defence. 

"There's a lot of focus on what is going to happen and protecting our sovereignty," said Victoria Belbin, CEO of the Atlantic Canada Aerospace and Defence Association (ACADA).

On July 17, companies from across Atlantic Canada involved in defence, came together at the annual Maritime and Arctic Security and safety conference in St. John's. 

Due to climate change, waterways in the arctic are opening up, said Belbin, which means more countries are looking to access the north for trade. So, she also says threats to Canadian sovereignty are top of mind. 

"The urgency is now and [the] industry is showing that they're ready," said Belbin.

The CEO says Labrador will have a growing role in the realm of global defence and security. 

She added that conversations are taking place surrounding the military presence already available in Labrador, such as the 5 Wing military base in Goose Bay. 

WATCH | Northern sovereignty is a hot-button issue at the St. John's conference: 

Labrador has important role to play in Arctic sovereignty, experts say

3 hours ago

Duration 2:50

At the Maritime and Arctic Security and Safety Conference being held in St. John’s this week, experts from around the world have gathered to talk geopolitics, climate change and more as Canada looks north to expand defence. As the CBC’s Abby Cole reports, that also comes with a newfound focus on what northern defence could mean for this province.

Prime Minister Mark Carney recently announced his promise to increase defence spending to five per cent of the GDP by 2035.

And now that more money is going toward defence spending, Belbin says some of Labrador's defence infrastructure will be updated. She also hopes to see more innovation surrounding Labrador's defence capabilities. 

"Our presence in the Arctic needs to be stronger, whether it's through ports and it's through infrastructure and with communities," said Belbin.

Labrador development opportunities

Military expansion in northern communities could also mean more opportunities for business development in Labrador. 

Garry Best, CEO of Nunatsiavut Group of Companies says they are already contributing to defence and security in Labrador today. 

And with Ottawa's promise of more defence spending, Best hopes to see a growth in opportunities, especially for the growing Inuit population. 

"Lots of young ladies and gentlemen who want to do things a little differently, keep their feet … in the traditional cultural areas," said Best, adding they'd also "explore opportunities in business, in defence and elsewhere [in] public service."

Additionally, Best says increasing defence could mean upgrades elsewhere in Labrador. 

"Helping the communities perhaps upgrade their airstrips, upgrade the existing ports, provide employment opportunities and … build and maintain multi-use infrastructure," said Best. "That's why we're here talking to the defence industry and government people."

Indigenous consultation emphasized

While companies look to develop and expand in the north, Indigenous leaders say community consultation is a requirement. 

COO of CanArctic Inuit Networks, Madeleine Redfern, spoke at the conference about the importance of Indigenous consultation. 

Redfern hopes to see more meaningful consultation and partnership with the Inuit regions as defence is expanded across the North. 

"If we are not meaningfully consulted and we're not involved, then we actually have a legal challenge in a legal case to demonstrate that Canada and the proponents haven't fulfilled their obligation," she said.

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