Yukon Premier alongside Yukon Liberal MP Brendan Hanley at Thursday's press conference. Photo: Jordan Haslbeck
The Yukon and federal government are exploring opening an Arctic security centre in the territory – something they say would be the first of its kind in Canada.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Premier Ranj Pillai said the centre could be an exciting opportunity for the territory.
“This is very unique,” he said. “We know we can make it work. And I think we’re going to see a lot of interest.”
The governments are investing a combined $373,000 into a feasibility study on the centre, which would be called the Canadian Institute for Arctic Security.
The centre would focus on strengthening regional security and contribute to Canada’s broader Arctic and northern priorities.
That includes addressing gaps in infrastructure and supply chains, environmental sustainability and public safety.
Yukon government will lead the feasibility work over the next 17 months. Pillai said input will collected from First Nations in the territory, academics, representatives from the Department of Defence and other
Pillai said his government wants to be prepared when it comes to security issues such as cyber attacks, foreign interference and climate change.
“There’s not a place that I go right now where the conversation is not about Arctic security or security in the North,” he said. “It’s the conversation that people always ask us about.”
Pillai said no other centre exists in Canada, though there is a similar centre in Anchorage, Alaska.
He noted if the study proves to be feasible, a government-owned office space will likely be used to house the centre as opposed to the construction of a new building.
The announcement follows the release of a final report by the Yukon Arctic Security Council earlier this week. The council was employed by the territorial government to provide recommendations on how it could enhance Arctic security measures.
Yukon officials will head to Ottawa next month to meet with Federal ministers to discuss the report’s recommendations.
