Thirty MPs and representatives from 15 allied countries are visiting Iqaluit from July 13-17 on a NATO fact-finding mission.
The group will receive briefings from the Government of Nunavut, Nunavut Tuunngavik Inc. and Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK).
Nunavut MP Lori Idlout is with the group, while ITK President Natan Obed will speak directly with the delegation.
Canada’s approach to Arctic security, partnerships with Indigenous organizations, and climate change will all be discussed by the North Atlantic military alliance, which involves 32 countries.
Site visits to observe military infrastructure and meetings with the Canadian Armed Forces and Canadian Coast Guard will take place during the week.
“Canada is stepping up with historic investments and a clear resolve to take responsibility for our North. Over these four days, our allies will see that resolve up close in Iqaluit, alongside the Canadian Armed Forces, the Coast Guard, and the Northern and Indigenous partners who are the foundation of Arctic security,” said MP Julie Dzerowicz, chair of the Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association.
NATO just concluded its July 7-8 summit in Ankara, Turkey, where Prime Minister Mark Carney held one-on-one meetings with the chancellor of Germany, the president of Ukraine, the prime minister of Denmark, the prime minister of the Netherlands, the president of Latvia and the president of Turkey.
Carney reiterated that his government has an agreement in principal with satellite internet firm Telesat to provide uninterrupted Arctic communications.
The federal government is planning to buy long-range missiles for future jet fighters from Norwegian company Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace at a price of $800 million, Carney announced on July 9.
An order of 1,600 to 2,100 light utility vehicles for the military will be limited to two Canadian companies, the federal government announced on July 8.
Canada and Germany launched negotiations for a strategic partnership to deepen security, military, intelligence and critical mineral cooperation on July 7.
Negotiations with Turkey toward a free trade agreement began on the same day.
Canada will increase the number of soldiers stationed in Latvia, on NATO’s border with Russia, to 2,600 from 2,000 and extend the mission to 2031.
Out of Canada’s $2 billion military support to Ukraine for 2026-2027, $475 million will go towards ammunition, an additional $400 million for Canadian-sourced ammunition, just under $400 million for 35 Canadian-made armoured combat support vehicles, and $50 million for technology and engineering.
“We are rapidly scaling our capabilities through historic investments in new submarines, icebreakers, aircraft and cyber defences and strengthening our partnerships with allies around the world,” Carney said. “Today, we are a stronger, more capable member of NATO with greater ability to advance its mission of collective security.”
By William Koblensky Varela, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Original Published on Jul 13, 2026 at 14:21
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