Water, water everywhere

In the last few weeks, discussion has arisen over the state of the Canadian Arctic, from reports of threats due to climate change to the future of Canadian sovereignty over the Arctic in the current Dec/Jan '05 issue of the Walrus.

Not only are there concerns about the threat of the Arctic ecosystems due to Climate Change, but also the additional threat of melting sea ice resulting in the year-round opening of the Northwest Passage and thus a demand for turning it into an international shipping route.

Now, Canada's budget is supposedly stretched to the bone as it is (even with our 9 bajillion dollar surplus, apparently) so allocating resources to ensure the protection of the environment and sovereign claim to the Arctic waters will be difficult. It also doesn't help that we don't have a permanent arctic research program or that we are relying on aboriginal rangers carrying WWII rifles to patrol the vast Arctic border (that they have poor equipment, not their unreliability).

So what is the solution? While it seems beneficial to allow for shipping in the Arctic to cut down on distance and thus fuel consumption, the inherent increased risk of an environmental disaster seems provident and I'm very hesitant in agreeing to the opening of the Northwest Passage. The arctic ecosystem is already fragile as it is. Increased traffic can only spell trouble, esp since we're still learning about how it relates to the global environment. One solution is to get our asses into gear and reduce climate change, thus reducing the pace of ice retreat. But I'm cynical andi don't see that happening.

Our coastline is way too damn big and I don't think the Canadian government's willing to allocate the resources to adequately defend and patrol these waters. In the Walrus, they suggested that it be controlled under an international regime. While I'm big on maintaining Canadian sovereignty, it seems like a reasonable compromise in order to reduce our burden. What I would like to see is that the regime be composed mainly of countries from the Arctic Council and for now (and maybe forever), be restricted to research and rescue vessels only. Not the ideal situation, but at least there is someone watching over the water, ensuring no one's pulling a Titanic in the Arctic.

As for our actual coastline, we're going to have to pony up some cash for the Inuit rangers and additional forces. Their jobs deserve adequate funding for all their needs. The longest undefended border is known to be the Can/US border, but I'm sure those who are patrolling the north would give 'em a good run for their money.

Finally, the Inuit has to be involved in the decision-making. They live there and their welfare's at stake. If you live in such a harsh climate year-round, you deserve a spot at the table. Spy submarines scaring seals and such is only an indicator of things to come and we should be ready to deal with the Inuit as partners.

Unfortunately, the Canadian government's plate is getting pretty full, what with same-sex marriage, decriminalization of pot, assisted suicide and George Bush's first vist to Ottawa all on the agenda in the coming months. My crystal ball tells me that this issue will fade faster than my martial arts uniform. Unless it gets wrapped up with Missile Defense talks, in which case, well, I hope the Canadians put it on the agenda and put up a good fight.

I can only hope.