Halifax: Adaptation and Resilience in a Changing North

The Nordic-Canadian Summit held in Oslo this Spring highlighted a common understanding of the shared interests between the Arctic states, and a commitment to cooperation on issues of Arctic defence, economic development, climate change, energy security, and community. Arctic Frontiers and the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Ottawa, in collaboration with Kongsberg Discovery, therefore welcome you to join us for a day of multi-disciplinary discussions on policy, science, infrastructure, and business in the Arctic. This event will promote cooperation between Canada and the Nordic countries, as well as provide a platform for exchanging information and recognising emerging issues in the policy, science, and business fields across the pan-Arctic region.

Date: 20th November 2026

Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada (venue TBC)

Panel 1: Keeping the Arctic afloat: Sustainably developing maritime operations

Vessels are increasingly entering Arctic waters to take advantage of emerging economic opportunities. But rising maritime activity must also contend with turbulent geopolitics, reduced access to necessary infrastructure, as well as unpredictable weather and ice forecasting, and the vulnerability of navigation systems to natural and human interference. This panel will consider the challenges associated with developing the maritime Arctic, and the requirements for safe and sustainable operations in polar waters.

Panel 2: Resilient by Design: Technology in Arctic preparedness and defence

There is clear political will across Arctic allies for collaboration in developing and applying new technologies to northern security and defence. This can drive innovation, local jobs, and provide critical infrastructure services to communities. But the rate of advances risks outpacing infrastructure capacities, and the policymaking regulating their use. This panel will discuss the frontiers of Arctic technology and innovation, and its role and vulnerabilities in securing the North.

Panel 3: Feeding the Arctic: Building food systems for northern resilience

Short growing seasons, dispersed infrastructure, a changing climate, and dependency on southern imports makes Arctic communities vulnerable to food insecurity. But there are also opportunities through technology, terrestrial and marine natural resources, and a culture of traditional harvesting and hunting practices. This panel will discuss Arctic food security, and how increased sovereignty over food supplies can strengthen local communities in times of political, economic, and environmental upheaval.

Panel 4: Whose Arctic is it anyway? Balancing the needs of society and state

In the face of increased defence spending and militarisation, there is a need to reflect on the place of northern communities within Arctic securitisation. For many, the most urgent challenges are caused by non-traditional security threats, notably access to jobs, water/food, and renewable energies. This panel will examine whether conventional state security can be harmonised with the lived reality of northern communities, and the potential of dual-use infrastructure for sustainable societies in the North.

About the Location

The coastal city of Halifax is the capital of the province of Nova Scotia, Canada. It has a population of around 530,000, making it the province’s most populous city. Halifax serves a centre for maritime industry in the region, with major employers including the Port of Halifax, ship construction, and fishing. It is also a base for the Department of National Defence and the East Coast Marine Security Operations Centre. There is a strong research environment present, with six universities and the Bedford Institute of Oceanography in the area.

Registration

This event is free to attend, however we will take registration to facilitate provision of refreshments. The registration link will be opened late September/October and announced via our social media.

For further questions about the event, please contact Freya Sykes at freya@arcticfrontiers.com