Abstract
The recent report from the US Geological Survey estimates that potentially 25% of the undiscovered oil and gas resources of the world are located under the Arctic Ocean. As a result of climate change, arctic ice is melting and these resources could become more easily accessible. Subsequently, the interests for the sovereignty of this region are now growing among the Arctic countries and therefore, the Canadian foreign policy in the North is, and will be, a major issue in the future regarding matters such as environmental policy, sovereignty, energy and security threats. Since the UN Convention of the Law of the Sea of 1982, five countries, Russia, Norway, Denmark, Canada and the United States of America have been claiming sovereignty over the Arctic, arguing an extension of their continental shelf under the sea. The recent demonstration of force made by Russia by planting a titanium Russian flag on the seabed of the North Pole clearly represents a symbolic challenge to Canada's ability to defend its position regarding sovereignty in the North. Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper is pursuing his defense plan 'Canada First' by reinforcing the military presence in the North, but this could end up being costly and inefficient. This paper will examine the past and current position of Canada and define a new strategy in order to best protect Canada's interests in this region by pursuing multilateral co-operation among the Arctic Nations and defining a new international status for the Arctic region.
