Arctic Critical Minerals: Canada’s Strategic Interests

In this Expert Series episode, we meet with Heather Exner-Pirot, Suzanne Lalonde, and Elana Wilson Rowe to discuss critical mineral development and Arctic geopolitics. Exner-Pirot highlights Canada’s push for critical minerals vital for the energy transition but notes challenges in Arctic extraction due to infrastructure and environmental concerns. Lalonde focuses on Arctic seabed disputes, stressing the need for scientific and legal frameworks to resolve overlapping claims between Canada, Denmark, and Russia. Wilson Rowe addresses the geopolitical tensions in the Arctic, especially following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and emphasizes the importance of international cooperation and responsible governance. As a whole, the panel calls for balanced development that considers Indigenous rights, environmental sustainability, and global security.The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security.Learn more: CDA Institute