Harper tightens grip on Canadian Arctic

by CTV — August 27, 2008

Prime Minister Stephen Harper made it clear Wednesday he considers the Arctic to be Canadian territory -- and he has no plans to loosen his grip on the disputed North.

During a tour of the region, Harper announced plans to further extend Canadian territory in the Arctic.

"Harper began the tour in Tuktoyaktuk with an announcement on Arctic sovereignty, essentially arguing Canada should extend its jurisdictional reach into the Arctic Ocean, doubling it from 100 nautical miles to 200 nautical miles," said CTV parliamentary correspondent Graham Richardson, who is travelling with the prime minister.

Harper made the announcement from the western entrance to the Northwest Passage. He also said all ships sailing into the Canadian Arctic will have to register with NORDREG, the Canadian Coast Guard agency that tracks ships.

Canada's claim on the Northwest Passage is disputed by some nations, including the European Union, and Richardson said the Wednesday announcement appears to be designed to send a strong message about how seriously Canada considers the issue.

"This is important because with global warming more and more ships are coming into the Arctic," Richardson said.

"The shipping season is longer and there are very serious disputes with some of Canada's allies, including the Americans who believe the Northwest Passage is international waters."

Under current rules, ships must register with NORDREG in order to gain access to Canadian Coast Guard information on weather and ice. Many do, but private pleasure boats often don't.

Few details were available on how the rules would be enforced.

Since he was first elected as prime minister, Arctic sovereignty has been a priority for Harper and many observers expect it will be a key campaign plank for the Conservatives during the next election.

Harper's government has promised billions in spending to protect the Arctic, much of it going to the military and coast guard. The government has also established a number of parks and protected areas in the region.

On Tuesday, Harper announced $100 million in further spending to map potential mineral resources in the North.

Harper's tour continues to Dawson City, Yukon before he returns to Inuvik for meetings.

Source:CTV