Canada is set to build new bases in the Arctic after Trump threatened '51st state' and Greenland takeover

Source: The Independent

Friday 13 March 2026 10:36 EDT


Canada announced a multi-billion-dollar plan to build new military bases in the Arctic following threats from President Donald Trump to make it America’s 51st state, and his desire to take control of Greenland.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said his government plans to spend C$32 billion (about $24 billion U.S.) on opening the bases in Yellowknife, Inuvik, Iqaluit and Goose Bay, located in the north of the country.

“In this new era, we cannot rely on other nations for our security and prosperity,” Carney said Thursday, speaking from an airplane hangar in Yellowknife, flanked by his officials and Canadian troops. “With this plan, we are taking control of our future. We will no longer rely on others to defend our Arctic security or to fuel our economy,” Carney said. “We are taking full responsibility for defending our sovereignty.”

Increasing international tensions, global warming and the changing world economy have put the Arctic at the heart of the debate over global trade and security.

Read more: https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/us-politics/canada-military-bases-greenland-trump-carney-b2938055.html