Canada is considering whether to deploy a small number of troops to Greenland as a symbolic show of support amid escalating rhetoric from the United States about taking control of the Danish territory, according to media reports.
Both The Globe and Mail and CBC, citing unnamed sources, report that Canadian officials have developed contingency plans for a limited troop deployment but have not made a final decision.
In a statement provided last week, a spokesperson for Defence Minister David McGuinty said the Canadian Armed Forces are not launching any new missions, but are engaged in several joint operations with European allies, including activities linked to Greenland.
Tensions intensified over the weekend when U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to impose a 10 per cent tariff next month on imports from eight European countries opposing his push to take control of Greenland.
Prime Minister Mark Carney said Sunday that he is concerned about the U.S. escalation and reaffirmed Canada’s support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Greenland and Denmark when asked about a potential Canadian military response.
The Canadian Press has requested comment from the Prime Minister’s Office and the defence minister’s office on whether Canada is actively considering a troop deployment, but no response has been received so far.