Yukon's new Arctic security council to help prepare territory for a changing world

The Yukon Arctic Security Advisory Council, a newly established advisory group, is set to evaluate risks and offer guidance to the Yukon Government to ensure the region's needs are factored into Arctic security decisions by the federal government. The government of the territory asserted that the council's role is to scrutinize potential hazards across Yukon's security sphere, identify assets and infrastructure in need of extra protection, and pinpoint ways the Yukon Government and federal Government can bolster security through collaboration.

The council was formally unveiled at a press conference last Thursday. Yukon's Premier, Ranj Pillai, stated that the advisory group will produce a comprehensive report featuring vital data, deliberations, and suggestions for the regional government, offering both immediate and long-term perspectives. The report will be made accessible to the public once it's completed, targeted for release in April.

Pillai expressed confidence in Canada and NORAD's protection, but he did raise concern about the region's progress in collaboration with the Canadian government. Consequently, it's crucial to collaborate with Indigenous governments and local communities to establish a long-term organizational strategy. Council Chair Ken Coates expressed similar sentiments, emphasizing that security and defense are not just timely concerns but long-term priorities that require planning for future decades.

Other council members include retired Maj. Gen. Derek Joyce, Heather Exner Pirot, Jennifer Spence, and P. Whitney Lackenbauer. The council will operate with a budget of $100,000, earmarked for administrative costs and council members' per diems. The inaugural council meeting took place in November.