Arctic Cold War - Canada

Sep 2007
As the scramble for Arctic resources intensifies, Canada is stepping up its military presence in the region. It's determined to protect its national sovereignty. "We will not compromise the defence of Canadian territory", vows Prime Minster Stephen Harper, announcing plans for more polar patrol ships. As the Arctic warms up; "major corporations are waking up to the fact there is going to be tremendous economic opportunity", explains Prof Huebert. Canada, Russia, Denmark and Norway all have claims to the Arctic seabed, where vast mineral reserves are thought to lie. There's concern that this scramble for resources could spiral out of control. "The worst case scenario is one of a regional area where hostilities are the norm and co-operation the exception", warns Huebert. The other main dispute is the legal status of the North West passage, which could dramatically shorten shipping times between Europe and Asia. "Canada considers all of the waters within the Canadian arctic archipelago to be internal waters", explains Prof Donat Pharand. But other countries see the passage as an international strait. "This is a dispute between Canada and the world", claims US Ambassador David Wilkins. A summit is planned for next year to discuss the future of the region.

Produced by ABC Australia
Distributed by Journeyman Pictures

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[TheCORE87]

The Northwest passage IS and forever will be Canadian internal waters.

It's funny how now that there's oil discovered in the Arctic, everyone cares about it, well Canadians always cared about it for it's beauty and it's people, NOT for it's black tar under the seabed...

[vault101lt]

I as an American I have to say I agree with the Canadians. The man said it right there "Canada consideres all of the waters with in the Canadian Arctic Archiplago to be internal waters of Canada". Btw I think the US Ambassador can disagree based on nothing all he want's... just like I can disagree his black suit is not black... makes no sence at all, But i'm going to do it anyway :) Much love from America Canada, see you in November.

[rodtorre7]

Canada should not mess with Denmark

[LcoolJfiveoh]

@TheCORE87 either way there are other nations that want it and we HAVE to keep it for ourselves

[thejacobs128]

@TheCORE87 i feel shamed over norway...

[BostonCreamDonut]

I hate Stephen Harper but one thing I agree with him on is increasing military presence in the Arctic, the 8 new ice breaking armed ships with heli pads, and a deep sea port being built is a great idea and it will allow control of who enters the passage. Canada is fine with ships passing through only if they ask permission to enter first, this is internal waters within our borders. Like Harper said use it or lose it.

[DoobiScrew]

True North Strong and free motha fucka!

[BiGamer1070]

Us Canadians care just as much about our land as we do to our family and friends.

[qonfusion]

@TheCORE87 Highly, highly debatable that "Canadians always cared about" the Arctic. Have a read of Polar Imperative, by Shelagh Grant. Canada's interest in the Arctic is fickle and relatively recent.

[synjerome]

15:32 Look at that double-crossing plastic face at the end of George Bush's speech. SO FUCKING FAKE.

[fakemadereal]

I love how they finally decided this up

[Legionz1]

The US ambassador is a moron. Why is there even a dispute? The north-west passage goes straight through Canada! How can rulers of countries, who I persume are educated, say its international waters when it isnt. Just look at a map! If Russians of who ever try to claim those waters or/and land for themselves, I hope a polar bear bites them in the ass.