cRRIC's Projects on Arctic
PROJECT DUAL EDGE (Dual-Use Advancement and Leadership in Emerging Defence Governance and Economies) is a strategic research initiative led by the Conflict and Resilience Research Institute Canada (CRRIC). Supported by the Department of National Defence’s MINDS (Mobilizing Insights in Defence and Security) program, DUAL EDGE focuses on two interconnected pillars:1. Dual-Use Technology & Procurement Reform: Addressing the “valley of death” that prevents Canadian civilian innovations (AI, quantum, drones, space tech) from entering defence procurement, aligning with Canada’s 2026 Defence Industrial Strategy
2. Regional & Indigenous Economic Inclusion: Mapping industrial capabilities in Western Canada (anchored in Manitoba) and creating pathways for Indigenous enterprises and STEM students to join defence supply chains and northern infrastructure development
Key Goal: To deliver a bilingual policy toolkit and strategic roadmap that accelerates the adoption of dual-use technologies while building an inclusive, sovereign defence industrial base
ICASUS (Indigenous-Led Climate Security and Arctic Sovereignty in a US-Canada Strategic Landscape) is a major research project hosted by the Conflict and Resilience Research Institute Canada (CRRIC).
Supported by the Department of National Defence’s MINDS (Mobilizing Insights in Defence and Security) program, ICASUS focuses on two interconnected pillars:
Indigenous-Led Governance & Sovereignty: Examining how Inuit, Gwich’in, Athabaskan, and Inuvialuit governance systems enhance Arctic sovereignty, security, resilience, and emergency management.
Climate & Security Dynamics: Assessing the operational and infrastructure impacts of sea-ice loss, permafrost thaw, and extreme weather on Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) readiness and domain awareness.
Key Goal: To provide actionable policy recommendations and geopolitical risk assessments that align Canadian defense requirements with Indigenous leadership and climate adaptation strategies in a contested Arctic landscape.