Canada

• Main Author: Markowitz, Jonathan N.
• Format: Book Part
• Language: unknown
• Published: Oxford University Press 2020
• Subjects: Arctic; Canada
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/oso/9780190078249.003.0007

Chapter 7 assesses how Canada, the production-oriented state most reliant on resource rents, responded to newly accessible stocks of Arctic resources. This chapter demonstrates that Canadian officials responded to the shock with assertive statements promising billions to build ice-hardened patrol ships, new bases, and Arctic training facilities. However, despite the prominent role the Arctic has played in speeches by Canadian leaders, Ottawa has been reluctant to follow through on promises to upgrade its Arctic force structure and military presence. Whereas Russia has backed its rhetoric and commitments by investing in its Arctic force structure and military capabilities, Canada has not. Talk is cheap, but ships and bases are expensive; and, as this chapter shows, Canada was unwilling to back its commitments with costly investments. If the United States is the dog that does not bark, then Canada is the dog that barks but does not bite.