So What is Going on With the Canadian Arctic Superpower?

by sara star | July 26, 2009 at 09:54 am

273 views | 40 Recommendations | 9 comments

On this hot day in Halifax, I wondered how to keep my cool. So I ventured into the frigid Arctic, though it is a hot topic. Who has control over it?

Do we prepare ourselves for the Polar Oil Rush, as the Russians lay in wait, secretly planning to invade?

First of all we have Canadian Foreign Minister, Lawrence Cannon, who has declared Canada an Arctic Superpower as he is confident about obtaining more polar seabed past the 370 km offshore economic zone. 40% of our land is in the Arctic.

Secondly, Russia's dispute is with the Lomonosov Ridge, which they contend runs between Siberia and Canada's Ellesmere Island. Geological data is yet to be released. Meanwhile they have planted a titanium flag on the seabed of the North Pole. Also, in February, two CF-18 intercepted two Russian bombers as they approached Canadian airspace, which the Russians called "just routine", and accused Canada of overreacting. Apparently, Cannon maintains a workable relationship with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

During the polar summit last year in Greenland, all agreed that international law would prevail, and each promised to conduct themselves accordingly while mapping each country's extended continental shelf. This mapping is being steered by Halifax based geologist Jacob Verhoef. A successful submission is expected by 2013, to the UN. The robotic probes that will survey the ocean floor are being built by a BC company and the surveys are expected to begin next year.

Russia is not the only one to watch out for. The United States feel that the Northwest Passage is an "international strait" and Canada considers it to be their "internal waters". They have agreed to disagree at the moment.

Meanwhile, Canada has put hundreds of millions of dollars into a military training center in Resolute Bay, and to expand and re-equip the Canadian Rangers that patrol the Arctic.

Will this end peacefully? Stay tuned...

The WWF has also been active on the conservation part since 1992, coordinating offices in Russia, USA, Greenland, Finland, Denmark, Iceland and Sweden.

I think the best idea is to leave one of the last untouched places on earth alone and make it an International Park.

Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon has declared Canada an “Arctic superpower” that will be guided by science, international law and “world-leading Canadian technology” in securing its claim to resource riches in the North.

Moscow says it expects the Arctic is likely to become its main resource base by 2020 and is therefore establishing troops "capable of ensuring military security" in the region.

Imagine if it was designated a World Park.

Canada should push for the creation of an international park that would protect the area around the North Pole, Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff said Monday.

WWF’s International Arctic Programme was created in 1992 as a co-ordination office to serve as a focal point for arctic conservation issues and to promote WWF’s activities in the Arctic.

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158

at 10:53 on July 26th, 2009

Interesting.

I see no chance of the Arctic becoming a park.

If the ice continues to melt and if there is recoverable oil there will be a rush to exploit it. Also with open water all nations will want to transit the pole to cut shipping costs.

And claims will not be limited to the 5 arctic bordering countries.

China, Japan and others will demand a share of the resources.

sara star

at 10:11 on July 28th, 2009

One can dream... imagine a common sacred ground for all the earth's countries, as a symbol of unity and peace. Even just a little piece/peace?

Amy Judd

at 11:33 on July 26th, 2009

Good piece!

I see a big battle brewing for this area of the world, it's rich in many resources and there will be a huge fight to get their hands on it from many countries.

albertacowpoke

at 11:47 on July 26th, 2009

In the future, as sea levels rise, current shorelines will migrate inland and the 200 nautical mile economic zone will move inland with them. In areas with gently sloping coastal land this landward advance of the sea could be a significant distance. Perhaps those nations should exploit their most seaward resources first?

In summary, the Law of the Sea Treaty grants significant undersea portions of the Arctic to Canada, the United States, Russia, Norway and Denmark. These nations gain claim the natural resources on, above and beneath the ocean floor up to 200 miles from their shoreline. They can also extend their claim up to 350 miles from shore for any area that is proven to be a part of their continental shelf. All of these nations have gained significant oil and natural gas resources as a result of this treaty.

albertacowpoke

at 11:51 on July 26th, 2009

With the Russian flag planting last monthn and Canada promising to build military bases, the race for the Arctic has begun in earnest. Some of the better news articles can be found below. A most intriguing suggestion by my Energy Law students is that the Arctic Circle indigenous peoples, who currently have six non-voting participants in the Arctic Council, could seek recognition as a sovereign nation -- and assert claims against all of the current claimants. That would certainly change the terms of debate!

Chicago Tribute link

Arctic claims are poles apart
Russian flag-planting a signal of global race for vast oil, gas deposits <>
By Tom Hundley
Tribune foreign correspondent

August 24, 2007
TROMSO, Norway

sara star

at 12:03 on July 26th, 2009

Thanks for the visual, it explains a lot. A good picture of the Russian Lomonosov Ridge, too.

158

at 13:03 on July 26th, 2009

Thanks AC,

A lot of very interesting information.

I see no chance any nation would give these resourses to aboriginal inhabitants, bur maybe share with them

Barry Artiste

at 14:24 on July 26th, 2009

Guess the Government never thought to ask the owners of the Arctic about this, I am sure the Inuit would have a difference of opinon.

albertacowpoke

at 17:23 on July 26th, 2009

Part of these resources, at least in Canada belong to the inuit and I.m sure they will demand their share and should. So after the international battle over the territory is over the internal battles over ownership will ensue.