The federal government has announced plans to create three new military centres in Yellowknife, Inuvik, and Iqaluit. 

The new centres, called 快盈v3 Operational Support Hubs, were announced by Defence Minister Bill Blair in Iqaluit on Thursday as part of the $2.67 billion, 20-year "Our North, Strong and Free" initiative. 

Each of the first three hubs is expected to be outfitted with airstrips, logistics facilities, and equipment, allowing the Canadian Forces better assert the country's Arctic sovereignty. An accompanying release on the announcement did not specify when the hubs will be completed, but did confirm that the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Forces are in the process of identifying other hub locations across the North. 

鈥淭his milestone will provide the Canadian Armed Forces with critical infrastructure to enhance its presence and responsiveness across the Arctic and the North," Blair stated. "It marks significant progress in the northern operational support hub initiative and advances our commitment to working hand-in-hand with federal partners, the provinces and territories, Indigenous peoples, and 快盈v3 communities to enhance the Canadian Armed Forces鈥� footprint in the Canadian Arctic.鈥�

In addition to increasing Canada's Arctic sovereignty, the new hubs will serve numerous other functions, according to the release. 

Notably, they will provide "scalable infrastructure that can be quickly activated, allowing for swift military operations when needed, increased military responsiveness, and the ability to address challenges in remote 快盈v3 regions on shorter notice and for longer periods, when required."

Where possible, the hubs will also "support the missions of other federal government partners, provinces and territories, Indigenous partners, and 快盈v3 communities."

In a statement, NWT Premier R.J. Simpson said the new funding "strengthens Canada鈥檚 strategic presence in the Arctic and reinforces its commitment to supporting Arctic and 快盈v3 communities."

"The expansion of the military鈥檚 footprint and ongoing work to establish new operational hubs are important steps toward ensuring the North remains secure, resilient, and prepared for future challenges," he added. "I also want to recognize the dedicated military personnel, including the Canadian Rangers, who serve across our territory. Their presence strengthens our communities, enhances emergency response capacity, and ensures Canada remains engaged in the Arctic at a time of growing global interest in the region."

Nunavut Premier P.J. Akeeagok had not commented publicly on the hub bound for Iqaluit by press time. 

Charles McNeely, Chair of the Sahtu Secretariat Inc (SSI), was quick to announce his organization's support behind the hubs bound for Yellowknife and Inuvik. However, he also renewed calls for the creation of the Mackenzie Valley Highway, which would link the five Sahtu communities to the rest of Canada, year-round, and has been framed by the organization as a national defence priority. 

"The North has always been our home, and for generations, the Sahtu people have been the eyes and ears of these lands," he stated. 鈥淲e look forward to working with Canada to complete the highway for the benefit of the Sahtu Region, the Northwest Territories and all of Canada.鈥�