Arctic militarization should also benefit northern communities, says Gov. Gen. Mary Simon.

From Copenhagen, Gov. Gen. Mary Simon said Arctic security should include investments that strengthen northern communities as well as military infrastructure. She spoke ahead of the opening of a Canadian consulate in Greenland and met Danish leaders to discuss Arctic cooperation.

Gov. Gen. Mary Simon told reporters in Copenhagen that asserting sovereignty and security in the Arctic must include support for people and communities, not only military build-up. She spoke ahead of the planned opening of a Canadian consulate in Greenland and said enhancing cooperation across Arctic peoples is important. The visit is led by Simon and Foreign Minister Anita Anand and included meetings with Danish King Frederik X and Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. Simon, who is an Inuk from northern Quebec, said federal investments aimed at defence should be "dual use" where possible to also help northern communities. Key developments: - Simon said Arctic sovereignty should not be only militarization and that peaceful coexistence matters. - The trip is presented as a diplomatic show of support for Greenland amid reported U.S. interest in the island, including a proposed "Golden Dome" missile shield. - The visit includes the opening of a Canadian consulate in Greenland and meetings with Danish leaders in Copenhagen. - The article reports the federal government will spend more than $6 billion on an Australian early warning radar and that last year’s budget included a $1 billion Arctic investment fund. - Nunavut Premier John Main is quoted urging a balance so military technology does not overlook basic community needs like drinking water, housing and energy. - Simon highlighted examples of dual-use projects such as deep-sea ports and improved internet that could serve both defence and community needs. Summary: The emphasis on dual-use investments frames a Canadian approach that connects Arctic security with community resilience, and the consulate opening in Greenland is part of that diplomatic engagement. Negotiations among Denmark, Greenland and the United States are reported as ongoing, and further discussions between Canadian and Danish officials are expected as the visit continues.