North American defence modernization has long been a collaborative effort between the United States and Canada, with the United States assuming the role of the primary strategic shield and Canada functioning as a critical supporting partner since the Cold War. Despite holding approximately 25 percent of the Arctic coastline—second only to Russia—Canada has less than 0.4 percent of its population residing along the Arctic frontier. This demographic reality, combined with persistent infrastructure constraints, has rendered the region increasingly dependent on U.S.-led defence capabilities. As climate change accelerates Arctic ice melt and enhances access to the Northwest Passage, the region is shifting from a strategic buffer to a contested corridor, drawing heightened attention from both Russia and China due to its military significance and critical mineral resources.
