Historic Trilateral Agreement Moves Forward
Canada has taken a significant step forward in Arctic security and sovereignty alongside the United States and Finland through the implementation of the ICE Pact plan to construct new icebreakers. The trilateral agreement, announced in November 2025, represents a major commitment to strengthening polar capabilities amid growing international interest in the Arctic region.
Strategic Partnership for Polar Security
The ICE Pact initiative brings together three nations with extensive Arctic experience and shared strategic interests. Canada's participation in this agreement underscores the country's commitment to maintaining a strong presence in the rapidly changing polar regions, where melting ice has opened new shipping routes and resource exploration opportunities.
Davie Shipbuilding, Canada's largest shipbuilder, has already demonstrated its capabilities in this sector. Models of the Polar icebreakers were prominently displayed at the Davie Shipbuilding booth during the CANSEC trade show in Ottawa on May 31, 2023. The event, billed as North America's largest multi-service defence event, provided an early glimpse of the ambitious icebreaker program that is now moving forward under the ICE Pact framework.
Enhancing Arctic Capabilities
The timing of this agreement coincides with increased global attention on Arctic resources and shipping lanes. As climate change continues to reduce ice coverage in polar regions, the need for modern icebreaking capabilities has become increasingly urgent for nations with Arctic interests.
The ICE Pact represents a coordinated approach to addressing shared challenges in polar operations, including search and rescue missions, scientific research support, and maintaining year-round access to northern communities and resources. The collaboration between Canada, the U.S., and Finland leverages each country's unique expertise in cold-weather operations and shipbuilding technology.
This strategic partnership not only strengthens individual national capabilities but also enhances collective security and environmental monitoring in the Arctic. The development of new icebreakers through the ICE Pact will ensure that participating nations can effectively patrol their northern territories and respond to emergencies in challenging polar conditions.
