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We need to know our Arctic

Foreign policy is the sole domain of our federal government, but it is also a reflection of the domestic interests across Canada.

Foreign policy is the sole domain of our federal government, but it is also a reflection of the domestic interests across Canada. So what message is being given to the outside world when we claim the Arctic to be a part of Canada, a part of our history and identity, yet we do little with it?

There is some fear-mongering out there. Some claim that if we fail to use this land we shall lose it, but that is not the case. No one is contesting our claims to our Arctic territories, which we hold both through historical claims and the indigenous peoples who live there. But sovereignty is more than just a right to the land — it is about being able to decide and control its use.

As the Arctic has risen to prominence in these post-Cold War years as both the scarcity of resources and the environment have become political issues, other states are taking an interest in this region and want to set terms for its use. Countries like China and India have larger Arctic Studies programs than Canada. The European Union has its plans, as does the United States. Ironically, our greatest Arctic allies might actually be Greenland and Russia, which face similar problems.

Our Arctic is fortunate to be resource rich, though others look to its pristine, unspoiled condition, a resource in its own right, with romantic notions of bygone eras. But what do the people up in these northernmost regions want? Sadly, it took Hillary Clinton at the March meeting in Gatineau, Que. to point out that Canada was failing to consult with and listen to its northern indigenous peoples. By failing to do so, we might be losing our rights to decide how to use those lands as other countries will tell us how to proceed. We need to have a plan, one developed by our Arctic citizens, to tell the world that we are in control, that Canada truly does respect its Arctic territories.

These northern Canadians are not that different from us, wanting to have their traditions while balancing the modern world. This means developing infrastructure, a viable education system and the provision of jobs so they can have what we have come to expect. Though the government has talked of northern issues mostly from a sovereignty standpoint, it has done little else as politicians pander to potential votes, which are primarily in the south of Canada. So the north goes on, being ignored.

But if we do not develop it, setting the standards for our north, someone else will. If corporations develop the north, then most likely it will be foreign-owned and our ability to control them will be limited. Greenland is facing a similar issue as China is dictating terms for some industry development there, bringing in their own workers, which does not help Greenland’s citizens. The government here should learn from the misfortunes of others. It should be the one to help develop our Arctic. It will be a cost to Canada, but one that could help build a better country. We could apply green technology to provide the much needed energy, develop ports to give access to the waters of Nunavut, develop the railways and highways to give greater access to this region, which will encourage development of all forms (including eco-tourism).

Most importantly, however, we need to invest in the people who live there and know the Arctic. For, like all Canadians, we are our country’s greatest asset.

John Kennair is an international consultant and doctor of laws who lives in St. Albert.

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