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Built for Defence: Premier Tony Wakeham at the 2026 MASS Conference

In this keynote address at the 2026 Maritime Arctic Security and Safety (MASS) Conference, Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Tony Wakeham highlights the province's critical role in the future of global security, Arctic sovereignty, and maritime defence.

Premier Wakeham outlines why Newfoundland and Labrador is uniquely positioned to support Canada and its NATO allies, pointing to the province's strategic geography, resilient workforce, and cutting-edge innovation born from operating in some of the world's harshest marine environments.

⏱️ Chapter Timestamps

• 04:46 – Introduction of Premier Tony Wakeham
• 05:56 – Welcome to the 2026 MASS Conference in St. John's
• 07:35 – Proximity to Greenland & The Fragility of Global Security
• 08:44 – How Harsh Weather Drives Marine Innovation
• 10:46 – "Built for Defense": Strategic Location & Resources
• 14:33 – Transferring Offshore Oil Expertise to Naval Defense
• 15:00 – New $200M Floating Dry Dock Investment
• 17:46 – Ice-Free Ports, 5 Wing Goose Bay & Arctic Gateways
• 21:54 – Conclusion: A Readiness to Partner and Build

📌 Key Highlights

• Strategic Geography: Located along NATO’s northern flank, the province serves as the closest Canadian point to Europe and Greenland, offering unparalleled access to the Arctic and Northwest Passage.
• Marine Infrastructure: Ice-free deepwater ports like Bull Arm and Argentia, alongside the ongoing expansion of 5 Wing Goose Bay, provide unmatched operational readiness.
• Transferable Expertise: Leveraging decades of experience in the offshore energy and mining sectors to bolster modern defense industries, including a new state-of-the-art floating dry dock.
• Workforce Readiness: A highly skilled workforce of over 14,000 tradespeople ready to tackle maritime maintenance, repair, and advanced fabrication.
• Innovative Tech: Regional companies are leading the world in dual-use technologies, ice navigation, subsea systems, and imaging tools designed for zero-visibility and extreme cold.

Event: 2026 Maritime Arctic Security and Safety (MASS) Conference Speaker: The Honourable Tony Wakeham, 16th Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador Location: St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada

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