Canada 'to reclaim Arctic waters' ( Hope for Global Warming to remove ICE)

BBC ^ | Tuesday, 10 July 2007, 10:57 GMT 11:57 UK | Ian Gunn BBC News, Vancouver

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

Canada 'to reclaim Arctic waters'

By Ian Gunn BBC News, Vancouver

Stephen Harper says it is time to re-assert a claim to the north

Canada has announced plans for six naval patrol vessels and a deep-water port in the north to assert its claim to territorial waters in the Arctic.

Other countries, including the US, say the waters are international territory.

The $3bn (£1.5bn) announcement at Canada's Pacific naval base comes in part to fulfil an election promise.

Ottawa also sees economic potential in protecting its claim to the Arctic, as the area is thought to be rich in natural resources.

'Lucrative'

Since the end of the Cold War, Canada's modest military and coast guard have only rarely patrolled its northern coast line. Now Prime Minister Stephen Harper says the time has come to re-assert Canada's claim to the north.

Oil, gas and diamonds are thought to lie beneath the Arctic waters

At a dockside ceremony complete with brass bands, fluttering flags and sharp white uniforms, the prime minister promised to build at least six new patrol ships with ice-breaking hulls to extend his country's presence into the Arctic Ocean.

That presence, Ottawa hopes, will remind other countries - including the US - of Canada's claim to the waters off its northern coast.

The claim could also have serious economic implications. Natural resources including oil, gas and diamonds are thought to lurk - perhaps in abundance - under the Arctic ice.

And then there is the North-West Passage - the northern shipping route between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans that European explorers sought for centuries.

With a warming climate, the route may just become viable and lucrative.

A deciding factor in the territorial disputes may be whether Canadians ever actually venture into the areas in question. And so the time has come, Ottawa says, to make sure that they do.

[ken5050]

FYI..ping the list please..sounds like this is long overdue..The PM is doing a superb job...and if anyone can add any background info on this issue, or some liknks..please do so..

[RedMonqey]

US should be doing the same. Russia?s done it, Canada?s done it, we better get up there before it?s all taken.

Naaaa, we can always take it away from the Kanukes ( Schoolyard Bully taking away nerds lunch style ) /sar

[webheart]

No one disputes that the Canadians are fighting and dying in Afghanistan; however, the use of money for this arctic stuff right now makes no sense. Better to spend it on better vehicles, gear, etc., for the troops.

That is like saying that you shouldn't put in a lawn around your house, but you should spend the money on a new roof. But what if you can afford a new roof, AND a new lawn? I'm sure Canada has enough economic resources to build a few ice breakers and staff them with some sailors without it breaking them. And anyway, the Canadians are probably quite qualified to decide how to spend their own money.

[JewishRighter]

"Natural resources including oil, gas and diamonds are thought to lurk - perhaps in abundance - under the Arctic ice. I wonder how long until the polar bears convert to Islam and declare Jihad on us?"

Never mind all that. The environazis will never let anyone touch all this pristine and unique ecological habitat that harbors so many species vital to the survival of the planet to be polluted by the evil, vicious, cunning, baby eating BIG OIL COMPANIES and CORPORATIONS that intend to ravage the planet and starve the elderly.

[GMMAC]

"It’s like the man said: canada will give you any aid short of help."

Unless you were merely sloppy & forgot the 'sarc' tag, the above may well be the stupidest comment you've ever made on FR.

I'd defy you to document even a single occasion upon which either Canada or the U.S. ever failed to come to the other's aid in time of domestic catastrophe or other dire emergency.
Until you can, how 'bout STFU !!!

[fanfan]

Better to spend it on better vehicles, gear, etc., for the troops.

Our new Conservative government is spending on things like that too, as you well know.

Now that the Liberanos have stopped stealing all the tax money, we have enough for both.

[free_life]

No one disputes that the Canadians are fighting and dying in Afghanistan; however, the use of money for this arctic stuff right now makes no sense. Better to spend it on better vehicles, gear, etc., for the troops.

You did! Your own words disputed Canada's involvement in fighting terror.I quote you below. The rest of us are fighting terror and Canada doesn't give help to others. Your words

when the rest of us are fighting terror. It’s like the man said: canada will give you any aid short of help.

The rest of us says Canada is not...a bold face lie in the face of Canadian men and woman dying to fight terrorism. NEXT > Canada is and has been spending to upgrade it military with new equipment ....AND we can invest in the defense and protection of OUR Arctic north at the same time....AND we don't need your permission or blessing.....

[jess35]

Canada is trying to claim sovereignty over the Northwest Passage which is recognized as international waters. The US Navy responded to this latest bit of idiocy by pledging to increase the number of ships patrolling the area to keep access open.

Give it your best shot Canada but somehow I think your half dozen patrol boats are no match for the US Navy.

[Constantine XIII]

[doc30]

You did claim Canada wasn’t fighting in the war on terror which is a flat out falsehood.

The Arctic Archapelago is Canadian territory. The waters around those islands in the high arctic are Canadian waters. Every nation has the right, and fundamental obligation in my opinion, to protect its territory. Just because you think Canada should drop enforcing sovereignty in the north like the U.S. has done in the south, does not mean Canada should or would. Most countries put their priorities in protect their borders and territory above engaging in overseas expeditions.

[jess35]

The waters around those islands in the high arctic are Canadian waters.

Canada is the only nation that asserts the NW Passage is in Canadian waters. The rest of the world views it as an international strait. As the ice continues to melt and more ships can make the passage saving thousands of miles, more countries will press the free and open seas issue. Canada will lose.

[Levante]

“I wonder how long until the polar bears convert to Islam and declare Jihad on us?”

Then, its time to arm the seals and walruses and let them fight it out with the polar bears!!!!

[doc30]

Canada is the only nation that asserts the NW Passage is in Canadian waters. The rest of the world views it as an international strait. As the ice continues to melt and more ships can make the passage saving thousands of miles, more countries will press the free and open seas issue. Canada will lose.

A lot of that water is within the 12 mile limit and certainly withoin the 200 mile limit. So it is fair to call them Canadian waters. To say otherwise would mean that the Chesapeake Bay, San Francisco Bay or even the channels between the Hawaiian Islands are not American waters and anyone can do as they please there. Could Cuba put an oil platform 1/2 mile off the coast of Miami or in the middle of Tampa Bay?

However, the right of free passage does apply to the NWP. If it does open up and allow shipping, who will police those waters? It's Canadian so Canada has an obligation, IMHO, to provide basic coast guard and search and rescue capabilities in the area. By asserting sovereignty, it prevents other nations from claiming territory and resources in the area.