November 21, 2024 — Whitehorse, Yukon — Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency

Strong economies in the North rely on infrastructure development, environmental sustainability and public safety. Addressing priorities such as sovereignty, defense, infrastructure and environmental stewardship is key to safeguarding Canada’s Arctic interests while fostering a safe and sustainable future for Northerners.

Today, Dr. Brendan Hanley, Member of Parliament for the Yukon, on behalf of the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs and Minister responsible for PrairiesCan and CanNor, along with Yukon Premier Ranj Pillai, announced a joint investment of more than $370,000 to explore the feasibility of creating a Canadian Institute for Arctic Security in the Yukon.

Over the next 17 months, the Government of Yukon will lead a comprehensive study to analyze the Institute’s sustainability; how it would be governed and how it could collaborate with partners, Indigenous communities, government departments and other institutions. 

The Institute would aim to be a pan-territorial resource to develop a northern approach to security and its links to social and economic development. It also fulfills recommendations from the Yukon Arctic Security Council panel of experts, as well as shared visions outlined in Canada’s Arctic and Northern Policy Framework.

Together, the governments of Canada and Yukon support initiatives that contribute to building northern innovation and capacity, and foster economic opportunities across the Yukon and the North.