Inuit Leaders Want Better Roads, Ports for Arctic Security

Inuit leaders are asking the Canadian government to build more important things like ports and roads in the Arctic. They say this will help people who live there and also make Canada safer in the North.
By Newsroom | Indigenous Affairs, National Security |

Recent geopolitical shifts and renewed attention on Arctic sovereignty have amplified calls from Inuit leaders for significant federal investment in northern infrastructure. These leaders emphasize that developing robust infrastructure is crucial not only for the well-being of Arctic communities but also for strengthening Canada's national security and its presence in a strategically vital region. The situation in Greenland, where discussions about potential U.S. interests have emerged, serves as a pointed comparison, highlighting what Inuit see as critical gaps in Canada's approach to its own northern territories.

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Escalating Geopolitical Attention on the Arctic

In recent months, the Arctic has become a focal point of international discussions, largely due to shifts in global power dynamics and concerns over climate change impacting the region. This renewed focus has brought to light long-standing issues regarding infrastructure development and the assertion of sovereignty in Canada's North.

Read More: Ottawa Gives $50 Million for First Inuit University and $170 Million for Community Needs in 2026

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  • Shifting Global Landscape: Reports indicate a growing assertiveness from global powers in the Arctic, with specific mention of Russia's expansion of northern infrastructure, including ports and submarine facilities, in areas directly opposite Canada's Nunavut territory.

  • Greenland as a Reference Point: Tensions surrounding Greenland have drawn particular attention. Statements from Inuit leaders in Canada suggest that any perceived concessions or shifts in control concerning Greenland are viewed as a potential threat to the broader Inuit homeland and could set a problematic precedent for Arctic sovereignty.

  • Focus on Sovereignty: The rhetoric surrounding Greenland, particularly from U.S. political figures, has prompted warnings from Inuit leaders that similar arguments could be directed towards Canada's North, aiming for increased control over its vast territories.

Calls for Transformative Infrastructure Investment

Inuit leaders are urging the Canadian federal government to prioritize and accelerate infrastructure projects in the North, arguing that current efforts are insufficient to meet the region's needs and the evolving geopolitical realities.

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  • Community Well-being and Security: Building essential infrastructure such as ports, roads, and renewable energy systems is seen as a direct means to lower costs for northern communities, enhance their resilience, and bolster Canada's ability to respond to emergencies, particularly in the increasingly active Northwest Passage.

  • Parity with Greenlandic Governance: Inuit leaders observe that in Greenland, Inuit political figures are actively involved in international security and diplomatic discussions alongside Danish representatives. This direct participation is contrasted with Canada's approach, where Inuit leadership advocates for greater inclusion in similar strategic dialogues.

  • Economic Development and Inclusion: Discussions have involved figures like Finance Minister Mark Carney, with Inuit leaders outlining ambitious plans that aim to transform the North. The core message is that infrastructure development must be a partnership, reflecting the principle that "Inuit sovereignty is Canada's sovereignty."

"We don’t want to be left out again,” Kilikvak Kabloona, CEO of Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated (NTI), stated in November 2025. Building ports, roads and renewable energy systems, Irngaut added, would help lower costs while also reinforcing Canada’s security and presence in the North.

Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami President Natan Obed warned in January 2026 that Donald Trump’s recent rhetoric about his country’s need to control Greenland will soon be directed at Canada’s North. "It is not a regional issue, but central to how we protect Canada in our front yard and how we contribute to global security,” he stated.

Historical Exclusion and the Need for Partnership

A recurring theme in the discussions is the historical marginalization of northern communities and Inuit in national infrastructure planning. Leaders stress that future initiatives must be collaborative to ensure benefits reach local populations.

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  • Addressing Past Shortcomings: Previous infrastructure projects are noted for often failing to deliver promised benefits to local communities while extracting resources from traditional territories.

  • Inuit-Led Development: The emphasis is on Inuit-led infrastructure initiatives as a national priority, essential for both regional development and Canada's broader Arctic sovereignty. This model aims to strengthen community resilience, expand Inuit employment, and reinforce Canada's strategic presence.

  • Pan-Inuit Networks as Assets: Obed highlighted that Inuit networks spanning the Arctic, despite national borders, represent a significant security asset that is often overlooked in Canada's approach to Arctic sovereignty.

"Canada must not only defend its Arctic; it must build it — with Inuit, not for Inuit," is the clear message from Inuit leadership.

Conclusion: A Call for Urgent Action

The confluence of increased geopolitical activity in the Arctic and the specific situation surrounding Greenland has created a compelling case for Inuit leaders to urge immediate and transformative action from the Canadian government. The core demand is for federal investment in infrastructure that is planned and executed in partnership with Inuit, recognizing their integral role in regional development, security, and sovereignty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why do Inuit leaders want more infrastructure?
They want to help people in the Arctic communities and make Canada safer in the North.
Q: What kind of infrastructure do they want?
They want things like ports, roads, and energy systems.
Q: How is this related to Greenland?
They see what is happening in Greenland and want to make sure Canada takes care of its own Arctic areas.