The Canadian Arctic

Paper Summary:

The paper relates that Canadians refer to Arctic Canada as an inland waterway, an archipelago of islands separated by the Northwest Passage, which is claimed by Canada. However, the U.S. and European powers assert that the Northwest Passage is an international sea route. The author points out that, if Canada cannot control and supervise shipping, then there is the likelihood of great environmental damage and the inability of Canada to ascertain if dangerous vessels are traversing the passage. The paper explains that the Inuit, who occupy the area claimed by the U.S as international waters, back the assertion of Canadian sovereignty and the enlargement ot the federal military and civilian administration roles in the Arctic. The author concludes that Canada is committed to the idea that the internationalization of the Northwest Passage represents serious liabilities for Canadians in the region, the environment and geo-political factors.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
The Meaning of Canadian Arctic Sovereignty
The American Perspective
Security and Defense
An Arctic, not Canadian Arctic Shipping Route
Last Remarks

From the Paper:

"Prime Minister Stephen Harper's approach has repeated the sentiment of Professor McCrae, in Arctic sovereignty as something that Canada must 'use' or lose. Canadians living in southern areas, critical of the much increased military spending of Harper's government, are generally of kinds to forget the vital everyday roles played by the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) with regard to the Arctic region. Part of this military investment involves a strong effort to build up the visible CAF presence in the high Arctic, while expanding Arctic capabilities in defense, communications, search and rescue, and civilian services."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Bradley, Master Corp. John. (2006). Arctic Patricia 2006 takes place in Nunavut. National Defense and the Canadian Forces. Release. March 30.
• Brooke, James. (2000). Arctic Shortcut for Shipping Raises New Fears in Canada. New York Times. July 29.
• Burke, Lt. Cdr. Mike. (2004). Environment, Conflict and Threats to Canadian Sovereignty - the Need for Canadian Maritime Strategy. Canadian Forces College. (Paper). 58pp.
• CBC. (2006). In depth - Canadian Military: Arctic Sovereignty, Drawing a Line down the Middle. Toronto. Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. February 9.
• Elliot, Meisel, E.B. (1999). Still Unresolved after 50 Years - the Northwest Passage inCanadian-American Relations, 1946-1998. The American Review of Canadian Studies. 29: 407-424.

More papers on The Canadian Arctic:

• Persuasive Essay # 104647 : "The Canadian Arctic Region"
• Analytical Essay # 29614 : "Inuit Youth: Growth and Change in the Canadian Arctic"
• Term Paper # 136176 : "The Canadian Arctic and Climate Change"

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