Canada Turns to the World’s Polar Bear Capital to Defend its Arctic

Churchill, Manitoba, known as the "polar bear capital," is emerging as a key strategic location for Canada in the Arctic. The town possesses vital infrastructure, including the only railway to southern Canada, an Arctic deepwater port, and a large runway. However, years of neglect and climate change have left this infrastructure in disrepair. Amidst growing superpower rivalry in the Arctic, Prime Minister Mark Carney aims to assert Canada's sovereignty through infrastructure projects, jolted by past trade disputes. Churchill's mayor believes the town can naturally fulfill Canada's Arctic security needs if the existing infrastructure is improved. The new owner of the port and railway is beginning repairs while facing challenges from thawing permafrost.

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