Zach Zimmerman, a master’s student at Trent University in Peterborough, Ontario, and a member of the Canadian Institute for Arctic Security, brings a unique Northern perspective. Born and raised in Inuvik and Whitehorse, he recently presented at the Arctic Summit in Whitehorse from February 23-25, 2026. Zimmerman contends that Canada’s northern Arctic faces more realistic threats from climate change, disinformation, and emergency response rather than conventional military invasions.
Canadian Armed Forces Capabilities in the Arctic
Recent research highlights that Canada’s northern Arctic maintains stronger defenses than many narratives suggest. The most pressing threats—climate change, search and rescue operations, and hybrid threats—do not require a large permanent military presence. Instead, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) prioritize broad situational awareness, rapid deployment of appropriate forces, and cooperation with allies.
“If I were to really summarize the findings of my research, I would say Canada’s northern Arctic is really more defended than a lot of narratives and people in Canada think,” Zimmerman states. He emphasizes the need for flexible and adaptive CAF operations in the North.
Infrastructure Supporting Military Operations
Critical infrastructure gaps persist in remote Northern communities, as residents confirm. However, existing facilities adequately support CAF activities, particularly in strategic locations. Major airports in Whitehorse, Inuvik, Yellowknife, and Iqaluit enable quick access across the northern Arctic.
“Canadian Armed Forces do have decent enough infrastructure in the Arctic, and specifically, that infrastructure is positioned in pretty strategic areas,” Zimmerman notes.
U.S. Interest in Greenland and Regional Security
The U.S. president’s stated intention to acquire Greenland has heightened tensions. Zimmerman views this as primarily a political challenge requiring diplomatic solutions rather than military responses. Greenland has formed a high-level working group for ongoing discussions.
“At this point, I view what [Donald] Trump is doing in the Arctic as more of a political problem than a military one,” he explains. For Canada, careful positioning and messaging about Northern capabilities is essential to avoid similar escalations.
Key Threats Beyond Climate Change
Climate change remains the paramount threat, but domestic challenges also undermine security. Gaps in infrastructure, healthcare, and employment affect community well-being, which is vital for a robust Northern presence.
Hybrid threats—blending covert and overt military and non-military tactics to sow division—pose significant risks. These include disinformation campaigns, espionage, foreign aerial intrusions, and acquisitions of critical mineral resources.
“Canada’s Arctic is especially susceptible to hybrid threats,” Zimmerman warns. He urges Northern residents and Canadians to recognize and counter these dangers.
Espionage Risks in the Yukon
In the Yukon, vulnerabilities arise from chokepoints like bridges and limited protections around radar stations and critical sites. Instances of unauthorized photography at remote facilities underscore the need for vigilance.
“We also have to be careful about what sort of information is being gathered about our critical infrastructure, whether it’s our hospitals, our bridges, our roads,” Zimmerman says.
