Brendan Hanley

Minister Blair and Premier Pillai sign letter of intent to establish a Reserve presence in Whitehorse, Yukon

December 2, 2024

Today, the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, and the Honourable Ranj Pillai, the Yukon Premier, signed a letter of intent for the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) to establish a Naval Reserve presence in Canada’s north. With the support of the Government of Yukon, the RCN intends to send members to Whitehorse, Yukon, in the summer of 2025 to further explore viability and develop options for a Naval Reserve footprint in the territory. This effort is part of a broader plan to restructure the Naval Reserve with a focus on attracting, recruiting, and training personnel to strengthen the RCN’s operational readiness. The presence of the Naval Reserve in Whitehorse enables these efforts while contributing to the local community by promoting leadership and practical maritime skills through Navy training. With strong support from the Yukon government, this initiative provides the RCN access to a suitable workspace and additional resources to begin this exploratory phase. This collaboration underscores the commitment to establish a greater Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) presence in the North and marks a significant step in expanding the Navy’s footprint in the territories. A secure and prepared Arctic enables the CAF to respond effectively at home and deploy forces abroad when needed, without compromising national security.

Quotes

“Canada’s Arctic is a key part of our national identity. The establishment of a Naval Reserve presence in Whitehorse is another step forward to better asserting our sovereignty and strength in the North. By increasing our presence and capabilities in the region, we are prioritizing our ability to respond decisively at home and abroad.” - The Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence

“We are proud to support the Royal Canadian Navy in exploring Yukon as a potential location for the Naval Reserve. This aligns with the Yukon government’s focus on Arctic security by strengthening our ties with the Canadian Armed Forces and creating opportunities for Yukoners to develop skills that contribute to protecting and supporting northern communities.” - The Honourable Ranj Pillai, Premier of Yukon

“The Royal Canadian Navy must be able to operate throughout Canada’s North. A Naval Reserve presence in Whitehorse would enable us to engage directly with northern communities, recruit talented individuals, and provide specialized training, supporting the readiness and resilience of our Navy in meeting the unique challenges of operating in this vast region.” - Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee, Commander Royal Canadian Navy

“Establishing a Naval Reserve base in Whitehorse is a proactive measure that strengthens Canada's reach and resilience in the North. This effort not only supports our national security but also reinforces our commitment to safeguarding the well-being of Canadians, ensuring we are equipped to respond effectively to challenges wherever they may arise.” - Brendan Hanley, Member of Parliament for Yukon

Quick facts

The Naval Reserve serves as a bridge between the Navy and local communities. Naval Reserve Divisions based across Canada have become enduring ambassadors and valued community partners. Reservists work and train across Canada, working, going to school and contributing to their communities while also donning the uniform for reserve service and participation in ceremonies, celebrations, and community events.
The Naval Reserve is a modern organization that employs over 4,000 members at 24 Naval Reserve Divisions located in cities across the country. These units make the Navy accessible to Canadians (even in land-locked provinces such as Saskatchewan and Alberta).
Naval Reservists can be deployed to CAF operations anywhere in the world, at sea or on land, through a range of missions ranging from counter-narcotics operations in the Caribbean and Pacific to sovereignty patrols in the Arctic.

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