Canada's Arctic covers nearly 4 million square kilometers but has a tiny population. The region is bordered by Russia and the US with China also eyeing its importance. Canada relies on old radar systems, eight military bases, and about 100 Coast Guard personnel to patrol 162,000 km of coastline. After Russia's invasion of Ukraine and Donald Trump's interest in Greenland, Arctic security has become urgent. Trump sees Greenland as crucial to US defense and has pushed American dominance in Arctic waters. Canada aims to reassure its allies by investing heavily in radars, submarines, and military troops. Pierre Leblanc, ex-commander of Canadian Forces Northern Area, calls the investments a "major shift." Canada plans to increase defense spending from 2% to 5% of GDP by 2035. But challenges remain like poor port access and remote bases. Experts warn current US-Canada defense systems are outdated and cannot stop hypersonic missiles traveling ten times the speed of sound. Russia has already used such missiles in Ukraine, changing defense needs dramatically. Over-the-horizon radar and space sensors are vital, forming parts of the US Golden Dome missile defense plan, which Canada’s role in remains unclear. Trump criticized Canada for opposing the Golden Dome over Greenland while supporting business with China. Relations between Washington and Ottawa are tense, with Trump joking that Canada should pay $61 billion to join the program or become the 51st US state for free—a comment dubbed a "protection racket" by Canada’s UN ambassador. Despite political friction, Arctic cooperation on the ground remains strong. Troy Bouffard, the Center for Arctic Security director, says practical teamwork persists beyond politicians’ rhetoric.