Canada highlights Arctic envoy's role amid rising global competition

By Merve Aydogan

HAMILTON, Canada (AA)—Canada's Arctic Ambassador Virginia Mearns will serve as a "strong voice for the North on the world stage," the Foreign Ministry said on Monday, as Ottawa underscores the region's growing strategic importance.

"The Arctic is central to Canada's security and prosperity," the ministry said on the US social media company X, introducing newly appointed Virginia Mearns as "respected Inuit leader and Canada's new Arctic Ambassador."

"She'll be our strong voice for the North on the world stage," it added.

On July 24 in Inuvik, Northwest Territories, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the appointment of Mearns as Canada's Arctic Ambassador, effective Sept. 15, 2025.

Mearns "knows how changes in the North impact Canadians, making her a strong advocate for Canada's Arctic interests on the global stage," the ministry added.

Noting that "40% of Canada is Arctic," the Foreign Ministry also underscored its significance for sovereignty and security.

"As strategic competition in the Arctic intensifies, Canada needs a strong presence in the Arctic to protect our interests and keep Canadians safe," it said.

Ottawa also pointed to "historic investments in Arctic defense" and new consulates in Anchorage, Alaska, and Nuuk, Greenland, to reinforce Canada's northern presence.

"The Arctic is warming three times faster than the rest of the world," the Foreign Ministry added, warning of climate impacts such as rising seas, wildfires, and extreme weather across Canada.