Truemors
A federal government proposal to guide research in the Canadian Arctic has been given a cold bath by a panel of international experts.
The Canadian Arctic Research Initiative (CARI) was designated a government priority by Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper in October 2007. CARI was deemed to be part of a comprehensive strategy to assert Arctic sovereignty and promote economic development in the northern region.
In asking for a an international review of CARI, the government hoped to add substance to the floated research initiative. The scientific advisory panel delivered a more critical assessment than could have been expected.
"Canada has acquired a reputation among Arctic nations for failing to match words with deeds," declares the final report. In particular, the panel found fault with the four priorities established after an extensive consultative process this year with academia, the private sector, and aboriginal organizations. The priorities--sustainable resource development, environmental science and stewardship, climate change, and healthy and sustainable communities--"are too general to provide practical direction over time," it notes.
One big problem, says the expert panel, is that those priorities are really themes rather than a research agenda. "They do not take full advantage of Canada's opportunities, and do not fully respond to Canada's international obligations with respect to Arctic science," it continues. At the same time, the panel writes, the government should consider expanding those priorities to include baseline monitoring of environmental phenomena and technologies related to data collection, remote sensing, and telemedicine.
Complementary source (large PDF document): "Vision for the Canadian Arctic Research Initiative: Assessing The Opportunities," Report Of The International Expert Panel On Science Priorities For The Canadian Arctic Research Initiative. [ http://www.scienceadvice.ca/documents/(2008-11-05)%20CARI%20Report.pdf ]
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