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Nutrient data were collected along similar cross-basin transects in the Canada Basin (75°–85°N) in 2005–2008, to evaluate the long-term change in the nitrate deficit. The results revealed a subsurface N* minimum (<−10 μmol/kg), indicating a large nitrate deficit in the upper halocline water of the basin. The interannual change of N* from 2005 to 2008 demonstrates the increase in the nitrate deficit. The subsurface low-N* waters are expanding, especially in the southern Canada Basin (75°–80°N). The thickening distribution of Pacific water is primarily responsible for the expansion of the nitrate deficit in the basin. • Large nitrate deficit (N* < −10 μmol/kg) in the Canada basin. • Subsurface low-N* waters are expanding, especially in the southern Canada Basin. • Thickening Pacific water distribution is increasing the nitrate deficit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]