Canadian Perspectives on a Changing Arctic. February 2011

Transcription

1 Canadian Perspectives on a Changing Arctic February 2011

2 Outline A Government Priority Canada s Vision for the Arctic Portrait of Canadian Arctic Canada s Northern Strategy & Arctic Foreign Policy Statement Exercising our sovereignty Promoting economic and social development Protecting our environmental heritage Improving and devolving governance 2

3 A Government Priority Canada's far North is a fundamental part of Canada it is part of our heritage, our future and our identity as a country. The Government of Canada recognizes the tremendous opportunities as well as the many challenges that exist in the North today. That is why more resources and attention are being allocated to Northern issues than at almost any time in our country's history. 3

4 Our Vision for the Canadian Arctic Canada's North is first and foremost about people the Inuit, other Aboriginal peoples & Northerners who have made the North their home. The Government of Canada has a clear vision for the Arctic - A stable, rules-based region with: clearly defined boundaries, dynamic economic growth and trade, vibrant Northern communities, and healthy and productive ecosystems. 4

5 A Portrait of Canada s North 40% of Canada s land mass Canada - 2 nd largest Arctic state in terms of area. Home to Canadians across three territories: Yukon, Northwest Territories & Nunavut Many Northerners are Inuit & First Nations 5

6 The People of Canada s North Inuit Strong & historic presence in the Arctic Established own territory of Nunavut in 1999 Young population 35% under 15 In 2000, ¾ of Inuit adults hunted, fished or gathered Other Aboriginal Peoples: Dene, Gwich'in, Cree & Métis Aboriginal Population: Yukon 25%, Northwest Territories 51% Non-Aboriginal Residents 6 Credit: P.Vecsei

7 Statement on Canada s Arctic Foreign Policy International platform for the four pillars of Canada s Northern Strategy: Sovereignty Economic and Social Development Environmental Protection Governance Exercising our Arctic sovereignty as international interest in the region increases. Encouraging social and economic development and regulatory improvements that benefit Northerners. Adapting to climate change challenges and ensuring sensitive Arctic ecosystems are protected for future generations. Providing Northerners with more control over their economic and political destiny. 7

8 Exercising our Sovereignty The Arctic is a fundamental symbol of Canadian identity. Canada s Arctic sovereignty is longstanding, well established and based on historic title. Exercising our sovereignty includes: Seeking to resolve boundary issues Securing international recognition for the full extent of our extended continental shelf Providing governance and responsible stewardship Advancing the operations of the Canadian forces Key Initiatives: Strengthening Our Presence Procuring a new Polar Icebreaker, new Arctic/Offshore Patrol Ships Expansion & modernization of the Canadian Rangers Establishing a Canadian Forces Army Training Centre in Resolute Bay Establishing a deep-water berthing and fuelling facility in Nanisivik Ongoing military exercises and surveillance operations such as Operation Nanook Launching RADARSAT II satellite 8

9 Public Safety Increased access will bring more traffic and people to the region. Canada and Arctic Ocean coastal states will be most affected by public safety challenges and are preparing to respond. Development of a legally binding Arctic Search and Rescue instrument in the Arctic Council. Mandatory regime for shipping in polar waters in the International Maritime Organization. 9

10 Arctic Shipping Northwest Passage not likely to be a reliable commercial shipping route for decades. Canada acting now to anticipate challenges: Application of the Arctic Waters Pollution Prevention Act expanded to exercise strict pollution prevention measures in icecovered waters. Mandatory ship reporting (NORDREG) implemented for vessels destined for Canada s Arctic waters within 200-mile limit. Seeking the timely adoption of a mandatory regime for shipping in polar waters in the International Maritime Organization. Hugo Ahlenius, Nordpil. Sources: Arctic Council AMSA

11 Promoting Economic & Social Development The Government of Canada is helping to create a vibrant Northern economy, with safe, healthy and prosperous communities. Canada is actively promoting Northern economic and social development Sustainable development that benefits Northerners Great potential for wealth and job creation Taking steps to create the appropriate international conditions for sustainable development in the Arctic Continuing to seek trade and investment opportunities that benefit Northerners and all Canadians Key Initiatives: New Economic Development Agency for the North Northern Regulatory Improvement Initiative Geo-mapping in the North to inform & guide private sector mineral & petroleum exploration Support for the Mackenzie Gas Project Tourism promotion, community cultural & heritage institutions Commercial fisheries harbour in Pangnirtung $200 million for social housing in the North. Aboriginal Skills & Employment Partnership Program Improving territorial health systems 11

12 Oil and Gas Tremendous natural resource potential Approx. 13% of world's undiscovered oil and 30% undiscovered gas lies under Arctic seabed Approx. 97% of Arctic oil & gas production occurs in Alaska & Northern Russia ~1/3 of Canada s hydro-carbon potential remains untapped Offshore Oil and Gas There is currently no off-shore oil & gas drilling in Canada s Arctic. National Energy Board announced review of Arctic safety and environmental offshore drilling requirements post-deepwater Horizon. Implementation of the Arctic Council Offshore Oil and Gas Guidelines 12

13 Arctic Fisheries Impact of pollution on environment & human health Resource development could threaten sensitive areas if not managed well Increased marine traffic heightens potential pollution & environmental incidents in Arctic Ocean All known fish stocks are within national jurisdictions. Commercial fishing in the Arctic Ocean is not imminent. Further scientific research into the state & nature of fish stocks and their ecosystems is required. 13

14 Arctic Climate Change Thinning sea ice & thawing permafrost Climate change affects traditional lifestyles, human behaviour, infrastructure, wildlife movement & migration patterns Record Minimum Ice Extent 3 Sept 2007 record low of 4.4 million sq km Previous record million sq km Normal minimum 7.7 million sq km September 2010 approximately 4.90 million sq km Courtesy Tom Agnew, S&T Branch, Climate Research 14

15 Protecting our Environmental Heritage Canada is committed to ensuring that the fragile & unique ecosystems of the North are safeguarded for future generations. Promoting an ecosystem-based management approach Contributing to and supporting international efforts to address climate change Promoting and strengthening international standards Strengthening Arctic science and the legacy of the International Polar Year Key Initiatives: Protecting Northern waters and lands Establishing conservation areas & national parks, creating & expanding protected areas NWT Addressing Climate Change Helping communities adapt through the ecoenergy for Aboriginal & Northern Communities program, which supports clean energy projects. Clean Energy Fund & Green Infrastructure Fund - clean energy technologies & green infrastructure initiatives World leader - carbon capture & storage 90% of Canada s electricity to be provided by non-emitting sources by

16 Canadian Arctic Research Canada provided the largest single country investment ($156 million) for International Polar Year (IPY) research IPY mobilized 1400 investigators and 190 foreign collaborators from 17 different countries in 67 communities in Northern Canada. 51 science and research projects targeted largely at two priorities: Climate change impacts and adaptation Health and well-being of northern communities Work is under way to establish a world-class High Arctic Research Station in Cambridge Bay, Nunavut $85M to maintain or upgrade key Arctic research facilities 16

17 Improving and Devolving Governance The Government shares a common goal with Northerners that Northerners have greater control over their destinies. Devolution Three Northern Territories: Northwest Territories, Nunavut and Yukon. The Government of Canada has been transferring its decision-making powers to territorial governments to help realize aspirations of Northerners, increase local decision-making Aboriginal land claims, self-government agreements are well advanced Canadian territories & provinces receive revenue transfers from the federal government. Percentage of total revenue from transfers: Nunavut 91% Yukon 83% Northwest Territories 74% Canadian average 19% Challenges Complex governance & regulatory regimes, human capacity challenges 17

18 Improving and Devolving Governance Providing opportunities for Northerners to actively participate in shaping Canadian foreign policy on Arctic issues Continue to support Canadian Indigenous Permanent Participant organizations at the Arctic Council; Provide Canadian youth with opportunities to participate in the circumpolar dialogue. Minister of Foreign Affairs Lawrence Cannon, Canadian Permanent Participants and former Canadian Senior Arctic Official, Arctic Council Ministerial April 2009 Bronstein 18

19 Canada s Arctic Relationships Pursuing a strengthened Arctic Council Promoting greater policy dialogue & coordination; Greater communications and outreach; Ensuring that research continues to focus on key emerging issues; Engaging with Arctic Council states to clarify the criteria for permanent observer status for non-arctic states Enhancing Key Bilateral Relationships Working through relevant multilateral institutions 19

20 Conclusion Cooperation, diplomacy, and respect for international law Acceptance of and respect for the perspectives and knowledge of Northerners and Arctic states sovereignty Recognition that the Arctic states remain best placed to exercise leadership in the management of the region. Canada will never waver in our commitment to protect the North, and keep it Canada s true North, strong and free. 20

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22 Optional Slides 22

23 Legal Issues in the Arctic Extended Continental Shelf delineation under UNCLOS Canada is preparing its submission to the UN Commission due in 2013 Hans Island & Lincoln Sea Canada and Denmark dispute ownership of Hans Island and the maritime boundary north of Greenland and Ellesmere Island in the Lincoln sea Beaufort Sea Canada and US dispute over maritime boundary Probable oil and gas resources in the disputed zone Northwest Passage These are internal waters of Canada, US argues strait used for international navigation (disagreement is over transit, not ownership) We agree to disagree without prejudice Canada has three discrete boundary disputes in the Arctic all are well-managed Arctic nations repeatedly confirm importance of international law in resolving disputes Number of non-security based issues linked with foreign cruise ships, tourism and implications for search and rescue, spills, shipping safety Important to strengthen stewardship role in the North 23

24 Hans Island 24

25 Extended Continental Shelf 25

26 Ilulissat Ministerial Conference May 2008 Canada, Denmark, Norway, Russia, US declare: we recall that an extensive international legal framework applies to the Arctic Ocean We remain committed to this legal framework and to the orderly settlement of any possible overlapping claims. 26