ATLSECCON 2026

Canada’s Arctic could be described as “the world’s most digitally vulnerable frontier”. This vast expanse of land extends strategically far into the Arctic circle, where Canada has claimed sovereignty over the highly-coveted and contested Northwest Passage, a sea route between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. As US President Donald Trump asserts the need for ownership of Greenland to establish security via American force in the region, Canada must address a long-standing issue: the threat to national sovereignty via our northern exposure. Russian and Chinese vessels increasingly access the shipping routes as the polar ice melts. Critical infrastructure and population are sparse and far more vulnerable. Defence does not come easy, and the politics of cooperation is complex. Canada relies heavily on its partnership with the US for military defence in the region through NORAD. Surveillance is essential, but requires a network of satellites which can be targeted and compromised. As Canada seeks to forge new alliances externally, and build its leadership capabilities among middle powers, securing our Arctic sovereignty against cyber threats is the fundamental as we find our way in a new world order.