Arctic Sovereignty Requires Strong Communities, Says FCM

In a new report titled “The Future of Canada’s North and Arctic,” the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) is urging the federal government to link its defense spending to the creation of sustainable civilian infrastructure.

The FCM maintains that Canada’s security and sovereignty in the North cannot be guaranteed without first addressing the essential needs of local populations, particularly regarding housing and water systems.

The Cost of Housing

The report highlights the urgency of the housing crisis in the territories, where building a home can cost up to four times more than in the rest of the country.

In Yellowknife, the homelessness rate is now six times higher than in Toronto—a situation the FCM deems unsustainable for the region’s vitality.

Furthermore, nearly a quarter of social housing units occupied by Inuit are in need of major renovations.

Progress in the North is only possible if communities are recognized as true partners, stated Solomon Awa, Mayor of Iqaluit and Chair of the FCM’s Northern and Remote Communities Forum.

Four Pillars for Northern Resilience

The FCM proposes solutions centered around four key areas:

• Security and Defense: Maximizing military investments so they also benefit local infrastructure, such as ports, airports, and roads.

• Housing: Accelerating new construction, funding the renovation of aging housing stock, and ensuring the permanency of homelessness prevention programs.

• Connectivity: Setting affordability targets so that internet and cellular services do not exceed 4% to 6% of household income.

• Climate Emergency: Reducing reliance on diesel and strengthening search and rescue capabilities in the face of climate change.

The FCM, which represents more than 2,000 municipalities across the country, is also calling for a long-term partnership to ensure that Northern residents receive the same level of service as the rest of Canada.

Related stories from around the North: 

Canada: Potential Canadian Northern Corridor would present unique security challenges and opportunities, say researchers, Eye on the Arctic

Greenland: Greenland’s election winners push back against Trump’s wish to control island, The Associated Press

Norway: Thawing permafrost melts ground under homes and around Global Seed Vault in Svalbard, The Independent Barents Observer

Russia: 30–50% of critical northern infrastructure could be at high risk by 2050 due to warming, says study, Eye on the Arctic

United States: U.S. Navy to build airport infrastructure in North Norway to meet upped Russian submarine presence, The Independent Barents Observer