On Thin Ice: Canada's Arctic Policy and Environmental Security

• Main Author: St-Jacques, Catherine
• Other Authors: Department of Political Science, Master of Arts, David Black, Katherine Fierlbeck, Ann Griffiths, Anders Hayden, Not Applicable
• Language: English
• Published: 2019
• Subjects: Canada's Arctic policies; Environmental security; Stewardship; Sovereignty; Arctic; Buttress; Canada
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10222/76367

An exploration of Canada's Arctic policies with a specific focus on the securitization of the Arctic's environment. This research explores the shifts in Canada's Arctic policies since the 1970s and the role of stewardship in developing these policy frameworks. When it comes do defending its Arctic sovereignty claims, Canada has a history of relying on an environmental protection argument to support its position. Claiming that the disputed waterways and territory would benefit from stricter environmental protection by falling under Canadian jurisdiction is an idea that dates back to the 1970s, the implementation of the Arctic Waters Pollution Prevention Act. By proclaiming itself steward of the Arctic’s environment, the Canadian government has since established a clear link between its Arctic sovereignty and environmental protection, a relationship where the latter is dependent on the former. This research looks at Canada’s Arctic policies to demonstrate how environmental protection has been used as a soft form of influence to buttress sovereignty claims as well as how environmental protection compares in importance to Canada’s other objectives in the Arctic.