Quebec Premier Calls on Feds to Build More Icebreakers, Secure Arctic

Quebec Premier Francois Legault responds to questions at a news conference at the legislature in Quebec City on Sept. 12, 2024. The Canadian Press/Jacques Boissinot

Quebec Premier François Legault has called on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to boost Canada’s presence in the Arctic by building more icebreakers, saying it could be one way to avoid U.S. tariffs.

Legault made the comments in an open letter to Trudeau dated Feb. 25, which the premier posted on social media.

He said Ottawa should strengthen its role in Arctic security. He wrote that there’s a need for icebreakers, which would create jobs and preserve Arctic security.

“It would also be a way to show the Trump administration that Canada can be an asset in defence,” he said in the Feb. 26 post on the X platform.

Trump has called on all NATO members to meet their defence spending commitment of 2 percent of their GDP. Canada’s spending is projected to reach 1.37 percent of GDP this fiscal year.

In the letter, Legault said Canada needs to show it is determined to play a leading role in Arctic. He suggested Ottawa purchase icebreakers from PolarMax, owned by Chantier Davie Shipyard, which is in Quebec.

Legault said Canada has an undeniable strategic advantage and could establish itself as a key player in Arctic security. He added that Canada could demonstrate to its NATO allies that it has the means to protect its territory.

In November 2024, Canada, the United States, and Finland signed a Memorandum of Understanding to build more icebreakers. The Canadian Coast Guard currently has 18 icebreakers of varying sizes and capabilities.

Canada procured two new polar icebreakers from Chantier Davie and Seaspan’s Vancouver Shipyards in May 2021.

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre responded to Legault’s post, saying he agrees with the premier.

“All measures must be taken to ensure a continued presence in the Arctic and ensure the safety of our territory,” Poilievre wrote.

He said part of his Canada First plan includes building four icebreakers, doubling the rangers, and establishing a military base at Iqaluit.

“We must put Canada first, strengthen our sovereignty against the Americans, and protect the Arctic,” he wrote in the post.

During a Feb. 10 announcement pledging the military base in Iqaluit, Poilievre said he would build it in two years, funded by foreign aid cuts.

Poilievre said it was time for Canada to take control of its north, secure its borders, and stand on its own two feet. He said Canada cannot count on the United States to do it anymore.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith also said she “agrees strongly with Quebec on our arctic sovereignty.”

“With growing global threats, securing our North is not optional. Investing in icebreakers strengthens our sovereignty, supports jobs, and shows our NATO allies, including the United States, we’re serious about defense,” said on social media.