Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): The security and sovereignty of the North are of great concern to all Canadians and this government. The government has made landmark investments to increase our ability to operate in and defend the Arctic.

I have given much of this information during previous questions, but I will remind honourable senators that there is a $38.6-billion plan to modernize continental defences and a $122‑million contract to strengthen CFS Alert, and the government is conducting joint exercises in the Arctic, purchasing six Arctic and offshore patrol ships and is enhancing our surveillance and intelligence capacities with 88 fighter jets.

The government also welcomes the recent trip of senators to the North to further assess the security and other needs in that important part of our country.

Hon. Yonah Martin (Deputy Leader of the Opposition): Government leader, the war in Ukraine is rekindling fears of nuclear war, and Canadians are right to wonder what Canada is doing to protect our nation. The vast expanse of Canada’s North, larger than the whole of Europe, is now gripping the attention of government and security experts. At a time when tensions are high in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, they warn that North America’s Arctic may be vulnerable.

What is the federal government doing to protect Canada’s interests in the North?