Pierre Poilievre Announces Plan for Arctic Military Base and Expanded Defense Presence

The Conservative leader pledges to counter threats from China and Russia by building a permanent base in Iqaluit, doubling Canadian Rangers, and acquiring additional icebreakers.

Pierre Poilievre unveiled his 'Canada First' Arctic defense plan, which includes establishing a permanent military base in Iqaluit, Nunavut, if elected.
The proposed base would serve as a hub for F-35 fighter jets and Poseidon P-8 aircraft to enhance surveillance, search and rescue, and anti-submarine operations.
Poilievre's plan also calls for doubling the 1st Patrol Group of the Canadian Rangers from 2,000 to 4,000 members to strengthen northern defense capabilities.
Two additional polar icebreakers would be acquired for the Royal Canadian Navy, supplementing the two already under construction for the Coast Guard.
Funding for these initiatives would come from significant cuts to foreign aid, targeting spending Poilievre claims supports 'dictators, terrorists, and global bureaucracies.'