In Canada’s Arctic, some question military spending over everyday needs

Yesterday 11:15

In this remote Arctic community, residents face daily challenges that go beyond national security. Cambridge Bay, a settlement of roughly 2,000 people, has only two grocery stores, one sports arena, and no permanent doctors. Dental services visit twice a year, water is trucked in, and childbirth often requires flying hours south.

The announcement that Prime Minister Mark Carney plans to spend over C$2 billion to designate Cambridge Bay as one of two new northern military centres left some residents questioning priorities. Natasha Neglak Lear, 49, voiced concerns that the plan overlooks pressing local needs, such as healthcare facilities and birthing centres. “Before they do all that, they should give us what people have in the south,” she said.

Canada’s broader military initiative, totaling more than C$35 billion, aims to strengthen northern defenses and infrastructure, partly in response to perceived threats from global rivals. The government is upgrading airports, enhancing military readiness, and ensuring aircraft can operate anywhere in the Arctic. Critics argue, however, that investment in local health and education may be equally urgent for these isolated communities.