March 6, 2023 | Ottawa

The Government of Canada has published its updated Arctic and Northern Policy Framework, detailing a comprehensive strategy to ensure that the Arctic and Northern regions remain safe, secure, and well-defended through 2030. The framework lays out a series of objectives and actions aimed at addressing a range of evolving challenges—from climate change and increasing maritime traffic to heightened international interest and competition.

Key Highlights of the Framework

• Safety, Security, and Defence Priorities:
  The policy emphasizes that robust safety, security, and defence measures are essential for healthy communities, thriving economies, and sustainable environments in the Arctic and North. It outlines a clear goal: to protect the region and its inhabitants while reinforcing Canada’s sovereignty over its lands and waters.
• Climate Change and Accessibility:
  The framework acknowledges that climate change is accelerating the melting of sea ice and permafrost, which in turn increases accessibility to the region. This enhanced accessibility brings both economic opportunities and new challenges, including environmental risks, potential overuse of natural resources, and increased foreign activity in Canadian Arctic waters.
• Rising Maritime Traffic:
  With more vessels—including commercial, research, and cruise ships—navigating Northern waters, the framework underscores the need for improved monitoring, search and rescue capabilities, and strengthened infrastructure to manage increased traffic safely.
• International and Domestic Partnerships:
  Recognizing the complexity of the Arctic environment, the policy calls for enhanced collaboration among federal, territorial, provincial, and Indigenous governments, as well as international allies. Initiatives include joint exercises such as Operation NANOOK and participation in multinational fora like the Arctic Coast Guard Forum.
• Enhancing Military and Coast Guard Presence:
  In line with Canada’s defence priorities, the framework details plans to boost the Canadian Armed Forces’ Arctic capabilities. This includes investments in ice-capable vessels, specialized equipment, and improved domain awareness through advanced surveillance systems. The Canadian Coast Guard and Transport Canada are also set to play key roles in monitoring and managing maritime activities in the region.
• Emergency Management and Infrastructure Investment:
  The document highlights the need for resilient critical infrastructure to support emergency management, effective communication, and safe transportation. As climate change drives more frequent extreme weather events, ensuring that Northern communities can withstand and quickly recover from disruptions is a priority.

Strategic Objectives

To meet its overarching goal, the policy framework outlines several strategic objectives:

• Strengthening Cooperation: Enhance collaboration with domestic and international partners to address shared safety and security challenges.
• Enhancing Presence: Increase both military and civilian presence to deter threats and respond effectively to emergencies.
• Improving Domain Awareness: Invest in technology and surveillance to maintain a clear understanding of activities in the region.
• Enforcing Regulations: Bolster the legislative frameworks governing transportation, environmental protection, and border integrity.
• Supporting Community Safety: Develop initiatives tailored to the needs of Arctic and Northern communities, including culturally appropriate crime prevention and policing services.

Conclusion

The updated Arctic and Northern Policy Framework reflects Canada’s strategic approach to navigating the complexities of a rapidly changing environment. By balancing economic opportunities with the need for enhanced security and robust emergency management, the policy aims to ensure that the Arctic remains a zone of peace, stability, and sustainable development.

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