The Contribution of Space Technologies to Arctic Policy Priorities

Canadian Northern Strategy (August 2009) Policy Implications Sovereignty

Extension of Canada’s national boundaries to the North Pole Increased military/law enforcement presence and capabilities in the north (including satellite monitoring) Redefining national boundaries according to UNCLOS process Increased international collaboration Increased search and rescue capabilities Amended regulations to demand registration of all vessels traversing Canadian Arctic waters with the Canadian Coast Guard Extension of Arctic Waters Pollution Prevention Act to 200 NM limit Investment in international scientific collaboration Establishment of protected areas Assessment of capacity to respond to Arctic pollution events and ability to respond to environmental emergencies Improved environmental assessments for industrial activities

Safety

Environment

Economic Development

Establishment of an economic development agency for the north Upgrade of critical infrastructure Support for large-scale mining and oil/gas activities (on-shore and off-shore) Increased investment in housing, schools, hospitals and social services Increased investment in health care Increased investment in education and employability programs Increased self-governance

Indigenous and Social Development

Comprehensive ability to monitor air and vessel traffic, in air, on land/ice and off-shore Effective communications networks Effective navigation ability in air, on land/ice and off-shore Effective funding for relevant scientific research

Capability Requirements

Comprehensive information on weather and ice conditions Detection and monitoring of pollution events Real-time satellite imagery and navigation data streams Satellite/fibre optic-based communications technologies In-situ environmental observations Up-to-date infrastructure to support movement of goods and services

Information Requirements

Canadian Arctic Foreign Policy (August 2010) Facts in Brief

Jurisdiction: Canada’s Arctic Foreign Policy has been developed by the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT). Responsible Organizations: The Canadian Arctic Foreign Policy is implemented by DFAIT. Status: The policy came into effect in 2010 in support of Canada’s Northern Strategy. Type: The Canadian Arctic Foreign Policy governs international relations maintained by Canada pertinent to Canada’s Northern Strategy. Coverage: The policy applies to northern Canadian territory (including the Yukon and Northwest Territories, Nunavut, as well as Labrador, Northern Quebec, Northern Ontario and Northern Manitoba) extending to the North Pole. It recognizes 76 northern communities and municipalities distributed throughout the area of interest. Web link: http://www.international.gc.ca/polar-polaire/canada_arctic_foreign_policy-la_politique_etrangere_du_canada_ pour_arctique.aspx?lang=eng&view=d

yy The primary objectives of the Canadian Arctic Foreign Policy include the following: yy Engaging with neighbours to seek to resolve boundary issues; yy Securing international recognition for the full extent of our extended continental shelf; yy Addressing Arctic governance and related emerging issues, such as public safety; yy Creating the appropriate international conditions for sustainable development; yy Seeking trade and investment opportunities that benefit Northerners and all Canadians; yy Encouraging a greater understanding of the human dimension of the Arctic; yy Promoting an ecosystem-based management approach with Arctic neighbours and others; yy Contributing to and supporting international efforts to address climate change in the Arctic; yy Enhancing our efforts on other pressing environmental issues; yy Strengthening Arctic science and the legacy of International Polar Year; yy Engaging Northerners on Canada’s Arctic foreign policy; yy Supporting Indigenous Permanent Participant organizations; and yy Providing Canadian youth with opportunities to participate in the circumpolar dialogue.

Policy Objectives

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