Eighteen years ago, former Prime Minister Stephen Harper vowed to protect Canada’s Arctic sovereignty with the slogan, “Use it or lose it.”
Harper announced plans for a fleet of Arctic Offshore Patrol Ships (AOPS) and the Nanisivik Naval Facility, a deep-sea port in Nunavut to support these vessels. The port was meant to be operational by 2015. However, nearly two decades later, Nanisivik remains unfinished, plagued by construction delays, cost overruns, and the collapse of the construction company responsible for the project.
Originally planned as a year-round, full-service port, the project was downgraded to a summer-only refueling station, operating just one month a year. Even that has faced issues, with reports of structural problems and no clear timeline for completion.
Why Does This Matter?
As Russia and China expand their military presence in the Arctic and climate change opens up new shipping routes through the Northwest Passage, Canada’s failure to establish a strong presence in the North is raising serious concerns.
Local Inuit communities and Arctic experts warn that Canada is falling behind in defending its sovereignty. Meanwhile, the U.S. and other global powers are increasing their focus on the region.
“Another Broken Promise”
The Canadian government recently announced new Arctic military hubs in Iqaluit, Yellowknife, and Inuvik. However, with past failures like Nanisivik and other delayed projects, many northern residents and experts remain skeptical.
Nunavut MP Lori Idlout criticized both Conservative and Liberal governments for “broken promises” and failing to prioritize Arctic security.
As Arctic expert Rob Huebert put it, Canada’s Arctic strategy has been more about political showmanship than real action.
The Bottom Line:
- Nanisivik remains incomplete, nearly 20 years later.
- Russia and China are strengthening their Arctic presence.
- Northern communities feel abandoned.
- Canada’s Arctic sovereignty is at risk.
“If we don’t use it, we might lose it.”
