Canada in the Arctic

Pursuing Claims

Maintaining Sovereignty

sov·er·eign·ty [sov-rin-tee]

Making claims

Hydrocarbons in the Arctic

Current state

Hans Island

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Proposed solutions

Beaufort Sea

1825 Treaty of Saint Petersburg-

“the line of demarcation shall follow the summit of the mountains situated parallel to the Coast, as far as the point of intersection…and, finally, from the said point of intersection, the said Meridian Line of the 141st degree, in its prolongation as far as the Frozen Ocean”

20 years of Natural Gas
6.3 Billion barrels of Oil

2004: Leased eight separate sections for underwater oil exploration and research
2009: US Secretary of Commerce announced a moratorium on all commercial fishing in the region

Northwest Passage

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An International Strait?

Northern Sea Route

Prime Minister Harper-

“Canada has a choice when it comes to defending our sovereignty in the Arctic…and make no mistake, this Government intends to use it.”

Diminishing powers

Military advancements

Operation Nanook ++

Operation Nanook

• Joint military exercise
• Involves other countries
• Up to 1250 participants
• Latest Arctic technology

Conclusion

Thank you!