Udenrigsudvalget 2009-10, Færøudvalget 2009-10, Grønlandsudvalget 2009-10, Forsvarsudvalget 2009-10
URU Alm.del Bilag 268, FÆU Alm.del Bilag 48, GRU Alm.del Bilag 101, FOU Alm.del Bilag 177
Offentligt
Canada’s vision for the Arctic is of a stable, rules-based region with clearlyThe internationaldefined boundaries, dynamic economic growth and trade, vibrant Northerndimension of Canada’scommunities, and healthy and productive ecosystems.NORThERN STRATEGY
STATEMENTONCANADA’SARCTICFOREIGN POLICY
CANADA’S ARCTIC FOREIGN POLICYprovides the international platform from which to project ournational interests in the world across all four pillars of the NorthernStrategy:EXERCISING OUR SOVEREIGNTY, PROMOTING
OUR APPROAChCanadawill show leadership and workwith others to demonstrate responsiblestewardship to build a regionresponsive to Canadian interests andvalues, secure in the knowledge thatthe North is our home and our destiny.Canadawill maintain control of ourArctic lands and waters and willrespond when others take actions thataffect our national interests.Canadawill never waver from ourcommitment to protect our North.Cooperation, diplomacy, and respect forinternational law will remain hallmarksof Canada’s approach.
ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT, PROTECTINGThE ARCTIC ENVIRONMENT, AND IMPROVING ANDDEVOLVING GOVERNANCE.We will pursue our interests at theinternational level through leadership and stewardship.
EXERCISING CANADIANSOVEREIGNTYExercising Canadian sovereignty is our number oneArctic foreign policy priority. Canada’s Arctic sovereigntyis long-standing, well-established and based on historictitle. Canada will focus on the following priorities:seekingto resolve boundary issuessecuringinternational recognition for the full extentof our extended continental shelfaddressingArctic governance and related emergingissues, such as public safety
PROMOTING ECONOMICANDSOCIAL DEVELOPMENTThe people of the North are at the heart ofCanada’s Arctic foreign policy. Canada willactively promote Northern economic and socialdevelopment internationally on three key fronts:takingsteps to create the appropriateinternational conditions for sustainabledevelopment in the Arctic regionseekingtrade and investment opportunitiesthat benefit Northerners and all Canadiansencouraginga greater understanding of thehuman dimension of the Arctic to improve thelives of Northerners
PROTECTINGThEARCTIC ENVIRONMENTThe Arctic environment is being affected by events taking placefar outside the Arctic but having a significant impact on theregion’s unique and fragile environment. Canada is demonstratingstewardship in this magnificent ecological region. We arepursuing action internationally in the following priority areas:promotingan ecosystem-based management approach withour Arctic neighbours and otherscontributingto and supporting international efforts to addressthe causes and effects of climate change in the Arcticenhancingefforts on a range of environmental issues,including the promotion and strengthening of internationalstandardsstrengtheningArctic science and the legacy of theInternational Polar Year
IMPROVINGANDDEVOLVINGGOVERNANCEThe Government of Canada is committed to providing CanadianNortherners with more control over their economic and politicaldestiny. Canada’s Arctic foreign policy bolsters our domesticefforts toward strong governance in the North in the followingthree ways:providingopportunities for Northerners to actively participatein shaping Canadian foreign policy on Arctic issuescontinuingto support the participation of IndigenousPermanent Participant organizations at the Arctic CouncilprovidingCanadian youth with opportunities to participate inthe circumpolar dialogue
OUR STRATEGYThe rapid pace of change and growing importance of the Arctic requires that we strengthen our capacity to deliver on Canada’s prioritieson the international scene. Facing the region’s challenges and seizing its opportunities often requires finding ways to work with others:through bilateral relations with neighbours in the Arctic, through regional mechanisms like the Arctic Council and through othermultilateral institutions.
Enhancing key bilateral relationships
Canada will pursue a more strategic engagement with the U.S., our premier partner in the Arctic, and will work closely with Denmark, Finland,Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden, and in priority areas. The Arctic has also attracted the interest of non-Arctic states andentities. The key foundation for collaboration will be acceptance of and respect for Arctic states’ sovereignty and the perspectivesand knowledge of Northerners.
Pursuing a strengthened Arctic Council
The Arctic Council is the leading forum for cooperation on Arctic issues. Canada’s key priorities for strengthening the Council include pursuinga greater policy dialogue, ensuring that research continues to focus on key emerging issues, and engaging with other member states toaddress the structural needs of the organization.
Working through multilateral institutions
Canada will work through all relevant multilateral institutions toward global solutions for issues such as polar shipping regulations, climatechange and mercury emissions.
Canada’s Arctic foreign policystatement can be found on ForeignAffairs and International TradeCanada’s circumpolar website:www.circumpolar.gc.caFor Canada’s Northern Strategy pleasesee Indian and Northern AffairsCanada’s website:www.northernstrategy.ca
� Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, 2010Catalogue number: 978-1-100-50355-4ISBN FR5-44/2009 [ BCI-067-2010 ]photo credits: cover: Prinsenberg, page 2: Gérald Darnis/ArcticNet - CCGS Amundsen during overwintering expedition, page 3: Paul Vecsei - Proud kids with giant inconnu [stenodusleucichthys] on Yellowknife Bay, N.W.T., page 5: Martin Fortier/ArcticNet - Iqaluit, Nunavut, page 7: Paul Vecsei - Northern lights, Yellowknife, N.W.T.
