Canada’s Arctic
Canada is an Arctic nation. Canada’s Arctic constitutes 40% of its territory and more than 70% of its coastline. It is also home to many Canadians, including Indigenous Peoples who have inhabited its land, sea and ice since time immemorial.
Canada’s responsibilities in the region require shared governance among federal, territorial, provincial and Indigenous governments. In 2019, Canada co-developed and launched the Arctic and Northern Policy Framework (ANPF), which sets out a common vision of the Arctic and the North, in which the peoples there are thriving, strong and secure.
Canada also works with its Arctic neighbours bilaterally and multilaterally on many initiatives in the region. Canada launched the Arctic Foreign Policy in December 2024 to supplement the international chapter of the ANPF and help address emerging challenges such as climate impacts, new security pressures and growing international interest in the region.
Find out more about the work Canada is doing with northern and Indigenous partners, allies and global institutions to keep the Arctic stable, secure and prosperous for future generations.
On this page
Canada’s Arctic approach
Government of Canada priorities in the Arctic are advanced through the ANPF and Canada’s leadership in various international forums.
The ANPF, which is being implemented by more than 33 federal government departments and agencies, has been supported by three territorial governments, more than 25 Indigenous partners and three provincial governments to reflect the needs and priorities of the North.
Since then, new geopolitical challenges have highlighted the need for stronger Canadian leadership to respond to the evolving reality in the region. Canada’s Arctic Foreign Policy, launched in December 2024, provides a comprehensive response to these challenges. Building on the ANPF, it is the culmination of months of meaningful engagement with provincial and territorial governments and Indigenous Peoples, including with rights holders from Canada’s Arctic and North (First Nations, Métis, Inuit, Modern Treaty and Self-Governing partners) through a distinctions-based approach.
Arctic defence and security
While climate change remains the most proximate threat to the Arctic and its inhabitants, deepening strategic competition has increased pressure on Arctic governance and security. International activity and the region’s economic potential have elevated the Arctic’s strategic importance to allies and adversaries alike. Canada is better securing its Arctic and North, including by increasing the presence, reach, mobility and responsiveness of the Canadian Armed Forces in the region, and along its coasts and maritime approaches.
Find out more about Canada’s work to acquire new capabilities to defend the Arctic against new threats and to work with domestic and international partners to strengthen defence partnerships, intelligence capabilities and regional security arrangements.
Arctic governance
Canada is a founding member of the Arctic Council and works collaboratively with other Arctic states and Indigenous Permanent Participants to address issues such as sustainable economic, social and cultural development; environmental protection; scientific cooperation; emergency preparedness; and the well‑being of northern peoples and communities. Canada supports the international legal framework governing the Arctic and is a party to key international treaties that form part of this framework, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, treaties negotiated under the auspices of the Arctic Council and other international treaties that impact the Arctic. Canada also actively engages in treaty bodies relevant to marine safety, environmental protection and sustainable development, such as the International Maritime Organization.
Find out more about how Canada contributes to rules‑based cooperation and shared approaches to regional and global challenges through these mechanisms.
Climate change, science and environmental protection
Climate change threatens the Arctic. Canada supports scientific cooperation, environmental protection and sustainable stewardship that is grounded in Indigenous knowledge and priorities.
Find out more about the current state of Canada’s Arctic and Canada’s initiative to protect the environment in the region.
- Canadian Centre for Climate Services
- Canadian High Arctic Research Station
- Polar Regions Research and Activities Grants Program
- Arctic science - Natural Resources Canada
- Simply Science - Natural Resources Canada
- Arctic Waters Pollution Prevention Act
- NATO Climate Change and Security Centre of Excellence
- Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme
- Polar Bear Pass (Nanuit Itillinga) National Wildlife Area
- Permafrost thaw brings major problems to Canada’s Northern Arctic communities
- Arctic science
Inclusive, Indigenous-informed Arctic diplomacy
Indigenous knowledge and priorities guide Canada’s Arctic diplomacy. Canada supports Indigenous self-determination and representation in international decision making that affects their rights or interests. First Nations, Inuit, Métis, Modern Treaty and Self-Governing partners contribute to Canada’s Arctic diplomacy.
International and regional partnerships
Strong partnerships support Arctic stability. Learn more about the work Canada does to strengthen its ties with its Arctic allies and to expand its diplomatic presence and increase its cooperation with Nordic countries and domestic partners.
Latest news
- Minister Joly advances Canadian industry and collaborative research while in Germany and Norway
- Joint statement by Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, and Sigrun Aasland, Norwegian Minister of Research and Higher Education, about furthering bilateral science and research collaboration
- Minister Joly to travel to Germany and Norway to promote Canadian industry and attract investments
- Date modified:
