By Canadian Press

Defence chief says guarding Far North priority, warns Russia is back in Arctic bases

Mar 10, 2022 | 4:20 PM

OTTAWA — Canada’s defence chief says protecting the country’s Arctic region is a key priority for the Armed Forces, warning that Russia has reoccupied abandoned Cold War bases in its Far North. 

Gen. Wayne Eyre says defending NATO’s northern flank is a key area of concern for the Canadian military. 

Eyre says the threat of a Russian incursion into Canada’s Arctic from the North is very low at the moment, but it could not be ruled out in the decades to come. 

Speaking at a defence conference in Ottawa, he says Canada’s Arctic is potentially vulnerable because of its sparse population and lack of infrastructure. 

He says showing that Canada’s military can fight and operate in extreme conditions at the furthest reaches of its territory acts as a deterrent and may make an aggressor think twice. 

IN THE COMMUNITY

Medicine Hat's Adopt-A-Rink program still seeking volunteers

4h ago

HOLIDAYS

Medicine Hat Kiwanis hosting Christmas dinner

Dec 06, 2024

IN THE COMMUNITY

CHAT News producer makes 'emotional' return to Medicine Hat's old arena

Dec 06, 2024

Eyre says Russia’s naked aggression toward Ukraine has given NATO new energy, but Putin’s recklessness has made the world a much more dangerous place.  

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 10, 2022. 

The Canadian Press