THE ARCTIC SOVEREIGNTY ACT

A Bill to Establish the Arctic as a Strategic National Priority, Create a Network of Arctic Hubs, Mandate SMR Deployment, Expand Icebreaker Production, and Ensure Indigenous Co‑Governance

PREAMBLE

Whereas the Arctic constitutes a central pillar of Canada’s sovereignty, security, and long‑term national interest;

Whereas climate, geopolitical, and economic conditions are increasing global competition for Arctic access, resources, and shipping routes;

Whereas northern communities require stable infrastructure, reliable energy, and long‑term investment to ensure prosperity and resilience;

Whereas Indigenous nations are the original stewards of the Arctic and must be full partners in its governance, development, and protection;

Whereas Canada must establish permanent, modern, and strategically located Arctic infrastructure to secure its sovereignty and enable national defence;

Whereas delays in northern infrastructure development have historically weakened Canada’s strategic posture;

Now, therefore, Her Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate and House of Commons of Canada, enacts as follows:

PART I — SHORT TITLE

1. Short Title
   This Act may be cited as the Arctic Sovereignty Act.

PART II — INTERPRETATION

1. Definitions
   In this Act:
   (a) “Arctic Hub” means a multi‑use port, airstrip, logistics, energy, and defence installation established under Part III.
   (b) “Primary Hub” means one of the six main Arctic Hubs designated under this Act.
   (c) “Redundant Hub” means the seventh hub established to ensure continuity and resilience.
   (d) “SMR” means a Small Modular Reactor approved under federal nuclear regulations.
   (e) “Indigenous Co‑Governance Body” means a body constituted under the Canada 2100 Operating Charter Act.
   (f) “Corridor Authority” means the Arctic Corridor Authority established under the Canada 2100 Operating Charter Act.
   (g) “Approved Project” and “Near‑Approved Project” have the meanings assigned in the National Approvals Code (SNAC) Act.
   (h) “Build‑Immediately Clause” means the mandatory construction requirement under Part VII.

PART III — ESTABLISHMENT OF ARCTIC HUBS

1. Designation of Hubs
   (1) The Government of Canada shall establish six Primary Arctic Hubs and one Redundant Arctic Hub.
   (2) Hubs shall be located in regions that maximize:
   (a) sovereignty;
   (b) defence depth;
   (c) logistics efficiency;
   (d) community benefit;
   (e) Indigenous partnership.
2. Purpose of Hubs
   Arctic Hubs shall serve as:
   (a) deepwater ports;
   (b) airstrips and aviation bases;
   (c) logistics and supply centres;
   (d) SMR‑powered energy nodes;
   (e) defence and surveillance installations;
   (f) community infrastructure anchors.
3. Federal Jurisdiction
   Arctic Hubs are designated strategic national infrastructure under exclusive federal jurisdiction.

PART IV — SMALL MODULAR REACTORS (SMRs)

3. SMR Deployment Mandate
   (1) Each Arctic Hub shall include at least one SMR.
   (2) SMRs shall provide:
   (a) base‑load power;
   (b) heating;
   (c) industrial energy;
   (d) defence energy resilience.
4. Indigenous Co‑Governance
   (1) Indigenous nations shall hold co‑decision authority over SMR siting, monitoring, and long‑term governance.
   (2) Indigenous equity participation shall be offered in SMR‑related infrastructure.

PART V — ICEBREAKER FLEET AND MARITIME SOVEREIGNTY

3. Continuous Icebreaker Production
   (1) The Government shall maintain a continuous production line of Arctic‑class icebreakers.
   (2) Production shall not cease unless authorized by an Act of Parliament.
4. Fleet Requirements
   The fleet shall include:
   (a) heavy icebreakers;
   (b) medium icebreakers;
   (c) patrol icebreakers;
   (d) dual‑use civilian‑defence vessels.
5. Operational Integration
   Icebreakers shall support:
   (a) Arctic Hubs;
   (b) northern communities;
   (c) defence operations;
   (d) scientific missions;
   (e) commercial shipping.

PART VI — ARCTIC SURVEILLANCE AND DEFENCE

3. ISR Network
   The Government shall establish an integrated Arctic:
   (a) radar system;
   (b) satellite network;
   (c) unmanned aerial system;
   (d) maritime domain awareness system.
4. Defence Integration
   Arctic Hubs shall host:
   (a) defence personnel;
   (b) surveillance assets;
   (c) rapid response capabilities;
   (d) joint operations with Indigenous Rangers.

PART VII — BUILD‑IMMEDIATELY CLAUSE

3. Mandatory Construction Start
   (1) Any Approved or Near‑Approved Arctic Hub, SMR, port, or icebreaker project must commence construction within 12 months of approval.
   (2) No federal, provincial, territorial, or municipal body may delay commencement beyond 12 months.
4. Enforcement
   (1) The Arctic Corridor Authority may assume direct control of any project failing to commence construction.
   (2) Federal funding may be withheld from any jurisdiction obstructing commencement.
   (3) The Minister may issue binding directives to ensure compliance.

PART VIII — INDIGENOUS CO‑GOVERNANCE

3. Co‑Decision Authority
   Indigenous nations shall hold co‑decision authority in all Arctic Hub, SMR, and icebreaker‑related decisions.
4. Equity Participation
   Indigenous nations shall be offered equity stakes in Arctic infrastructure projects.
5. Stewardship and Monitoring
   Indigenous nations shall participate in environmental stewardship, safety oversight, and long‑term governance.

PART IX — ARCTIC ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

3. Northern Infrastructure Fund
   A dedicated fund shall support:
   (a) housing;
   (b) food security;
   (c) transportation;
   (d) communications;
   (e) local enterprises.
4. Local Employment Mandate
   Arctic Hub construction and operation shall prioritize:
   (a) Indigenous employment;
   (b) northern residents;
   (c) local training programs.

PART X — GENERAL

3. Supremacy Clause
   This Act prevails over any inconsistent federal or provincial law.
4. Regulations
   The Governor in Council may make regulations necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
5. Coming Into Force
   This Act comes into force on the day it receives Royal Assent.