View From the Legislature

The old saying “Use it or Lose it” suggests that if you want to keep something as your own, you are best to use it as intended. While this saying may have many applications, it has come up in recent discussions around the Canadian Arctic and our nations claim to it.

While the sovereignty of the Arctic has been a long-standing issue of concern, recent events have brought it to the forefront. Both Russia, who has often stated a claim on the Arctic and more recently China, have made aggressive moves that relate to this part of the globe. Both have been building ice-breakers and China has among the largest fleets in world. Among the many proclamations that President Donald Trump has made since resuming office, is that there is a need to demonstrate a strong presence in northern waters.

Sadly, for too many years successive governments in Canada have spent more time talking about securing the Arctic than actually taking real steps to do so. Yet today more than ever there is a desire to move past just talk. Last week, the federal government announced a commitment to build Canadian Armed Forces operational support hubs in the Arctic in Iqaluit, Inuvik and Yellowknife. While welcomed news, this was stated as a 20-year commitment. While it is understandable that major initiatives don’t happen fast, it is also important to recognize that time is of the essence as other countries move quickly to build up assets to stake claim to the Arctic.

Manitoba has a part to play in this effort as well. While Churchill is often best known as the Polar Bear capital, attracting tourists from around the world, it also has a small deep-water port. An improved railway has seen some renewed interest and usage of the Port of Churchill but it has a long way to go in terms of economic vitality. While many may still remember the Rocket Research Range that occupied Churchill for many years and which was operated jointly by Canada and the United States, Churchill’s value is viewed less in a military sense and more commercially and potentially a logistic hub. In addition, there has been talk about the potential economic viability of Port Nelson which is located south of Churchill and near York Factory.

It has become more apparent that Canada’s claim to the Arctic will have to involve both strategic military assets and also strategic commercial interests. And it may be that there are dual purposes for these assets as well. At a recent Canada West Foundation meeting in Winnipeg that focused on Canadian Arctic Sovereignty, speakers, including former federal Conservative Leader Erin O’Toole, indicated the need to also provide broadband connectivity to the north and sub-sea cables that could have both a commercial and a military purpose.

There was once a time when Canada’s northern border was considered the safest of all the borders, because it was virtually impassable. Today all that has changed, and many countries are looking to claim the Arctic as their own. For Canada, the time to make commercial and strategic use of the Arctic is past due. But now is the next best time to start. Manitoba should stand ready to be a part of that solution as Canada looks to diversify its markets and strengthen its place in the world.