U.S. President Donald Trump has made himself clear: Canada can no longer be complacent on matters of national security.
A recently released white paper by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has highlighted the urgency of subsea cable security and resilience, especially for the Arctic. As geopolitical tensions rise, the report’s findings offer a blueprint for action that Canada cannot ignore.
The DHS report underscores America’s commitment to strengthening subsea cable systems through enhanced coordination and collaboration, particularly in strategic regions like the Arctic.
Subsea cables – critical infrastructure carrying 99% of intercontinental data traffic – are the arteries of the modern digital world. From global banking systems to everyday communications, these cables underpin nearly every facet of our connected lives.
Yet, Canada lags behind its western partners in prioritizing this digital infrastructure.
Recognizing the vulnerabilities of these underwater networks, the DHS report lays out a roadmap to prioritize public-private collaboration, streamline regulatory processes, and bolster emergency response capabilities. It also acknowledges the Arctic’s unique challenges, including icy waters and limited repair capacity, which make infrastructure in the region both precarious and indispensable.
Canada needs to recognize the U.S. has been laying the groundwork for years to build up its digital infrastructure networks.
In Alaska, projects like AU-Aleutians, Airraq, Nome to Homer Express, SEALink and SEALink South are transforming remote communities with high-speed connectivity, enabling telemedicine, education, and economic growth. These initiatives not only connect communities but also fortify U.S. leadership in the Arctic.
Recommended video
Meanwhile, Canada remains in the digital dark, with no significant investments in subsea infrastructure since the first phase of the Inuit-owned EAUFON-1 and EAUFON-2 cables were activated in 2022-2023.
And while Canada’s new Arctic foreign policy commits to “strengthen the defence of its critical infrastructure across the country, including in the Arctic,” it has yet to provide specifics on how it might complete or fund that.
Nations like Russia and China are rapidly investing in infrastructure to secure their interests.
Subsea cables are a geopolitical tool, a symbol of sovereignty, and a lifeline for communities. Without investment, Canada risks ceding its northern future to external actors and falling behind in an era defined by digital dominance. It risks losing the confidence of its allies and any ability to foster reliable security infrastructure.
The DHS report identifies aging subsea cable repair fleets as a critical vulnerability, with only 22 repair ships globally and none dedicated to the Canadian Arctic. This is a stark reminder of the need for Canada to invest not just in cables, but also in the capacity to maintain and protect them.
So, how do we get there?
Canada must establish a national framework to prioritize subsea investments and identify key routes for connectivity. We must invest in building and retrofitting vessels that can repair cables in icy conditions to safeguard Canada in the face of disruptions. Cutting-edge technologies for cable deployment and monitoring are also critical.
Public-private collaboration can help share costs and expertise. And we must simplify permitting and licensing to attract investment and ensure timely project completion.
Canada must also recognize that the U.S. has a shared interest in a secure, connected Arctic. Our two nations can collaborate to address shared challenges, from navigating icy waters to countering geopolitical threats.
By leveraging existing partnerships, such as those forged under NORAD, Canada can align with the U.S. to co-develop Arctic subsea cable networks. This would advance both nations’ security and economic resilience while reaffirming their leadership in the region.
The bottom line is the DHS white paper should serve as a wake-up call for Ottawa to prioritize Arctic subsea infrastructure.
These cables are essential for Canada’s sovereignty, economic future, and ability to compete on the global stage. By partnering with the U.S. and investing in Arctic subsea cables, Canada can secure its place as a leader in the North.
— J.M. (Mike) Kennah is the CEO of IT International Telecom Inc, a proud privately owned Canadian company.