Prime Minister Mark Carney is contemplating the possibility of dispatching troops to Greenland for military training exercises with North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) allies, amid U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats of imposing tariffs on European nations unless they allow him to buy and govern the semi-autonomous island.
According to two senior Canadian officials who spoke to CBC News, contingency plans were recently formulated and presented to the federal government. While a Royal Canadian Air Force unit is currently engaged in a pre-planned NORAD exercise in Greenland, the prime minister is deliberating whether to send additional forces as part of sovereignty drills proposed by the Danes, potentially involving exercises to safeguard the Arctic island’s vital infrastructure.
The sources noted the political implications for Canada in participating and the potential repercussions from the Trump administration, stating uncertainty about the government’s inclination. The individuals providing this information remain unnamed as they lacked authorization to publicly discuss the issue.
One option mentioned is the potential deployment of a small group of Canadian soldiers to Greenland by the week’s end if required. The Globe and Mail initially reported on the possible deployment.
Although the nations involved are NATO members, the sources emphasized that joining the Danish exercises would fall outside the alliance’s conventional framework, akin to the coalition of willing nations’ actions to assist Ukraine.
Over the weekend, Trump reiterated his desire for the U.S. to acquire and oversee Greenland, alleging interest from China and Russia in the island. He warned on social media of imposing a 10% tariff on eight European nations opposing the notion, with the tariff escalating to 25% on June 1 if a deal to purchase Greenland is not reached.
These countries, backing Denmark, cautioned that a U.S. military takeover of a NATO territory could jeopardize the leadership of the military alliance by Washington.
In a joint statement, the eight European nations expressed full solidarity with Greenland’s people and readiness to engage in discussions based on principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity. They criticized the tariff threats, deeming them detrimental to transatlantic relations and potentially leading to escalating tensions.
Denmark recently announced its intention to enhance its troop, naval, and air presence in Greenland in collaboration with NATO allies.
During a press conference in Doha, Qatar, Carney voiced Canada’s apprehension over Trump’s tariff ultimatum, affirming the country’s support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations regardless of their geographic location. He stressed that decisions regarding Greenland’s future rest with Greenland and Denmark.
General Jennie Carignan, chief of the defence staff, mentioned in an interview on CBC’s “Rosemary Barton Live” that Trump’s interest in Greenland prompts discussions within NATO. When asked about Canada’s potential contribution of forces on the ground, Carignan highlighted the ongoing collaboration with Denmark and emphasized NATO’s interest in Arctic security.
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