Defence spending in the North could be 'generational opportunity': Nunavut premier

Nunavut Premier P.J. Akeeagok says the federal government's commitments to boosting defence spending, specifically in the North, could be a 'generational opportunity' for the people who live there.

Nunavut Premier P.J. Akeeagok says the federal government's commitments to boosting defence spending, specifically in the North, could be a "generational opportunity" for the people who live there.

The three-day annual summer meeting of Canada's premiers at the Council of the Federation, currently taking place in Halifax, is focused on health care, housing and the environment.

Meanwhile, on day two of the gathering, the premiers of Canada's territories spoke to reporters about the how the issues affect their jurisdictions specifically, with security and defence spending opportunities at the forefront.

"We look at the infrastructure gap that you see between the North and the South, and it continues to grow," Akeeagok said. "The commitment to get to that two per cent is an incredible opportunity that we shared with (Defence) Minister (Bill) Blair and (Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie) Joly, as well."

After years of pressure from NATO allies to reach the alliance's spending commitment of two per cent of GDP on defence, the Canadian government announced it is set to achieve that target by 2032.

Plus, the federal government's long-awaited defence policy update released in April highlights needs and opportunities for investment in the North, with an entire section of the document dedicated to the region.

At the 75th NATO Summit last week, in front of a global audience, Blair announced the federal government's intention to purchase up to a dozen submarines, with the minister citing the need for them in the Arctic, in addition to icebreakers that will be destined for the region, thanks to a trilateral agreement with the U.S. and Finland.