The north of Canada is a place of heritage, identity, and future. There are a number of factors affecting the region, including changes in Indigenous stewardship and climate change. The growth of Northern and Aboriginal governments, as well as Aboriginal institutions, is also a factor in this region’s evolution. It is important to develop a northern strategy that is inclusive and responsive to these changes.
Environmental challenges
In Canada’s Arctic, environmental challenges are a key concern. Changing climate, thawing permafrost, and resource development are all affecting our region’s landscape, wildlife and ecosystems. In the face of these developments, Canada is seeking to strengthen its leadership in the region with the help of Norstrat northern strategy.
The most pressing environmental challenges include climate change, marine pollution, and contaminants. Each of these factors are threatening the health and well-being of our northern residents. They also put a strain on critical infrastructure. The federal government must develop a comprehensive action plan to protect Canadians from these hazards.
With the thawing of permafrost, we are witnessing irreversible changes to the landscape and distribution of species. The effects are especially felt by indigenous communities. In addition, increased tourism and commercial interests have added new risks. Moreover, these trends require an increase in search and rescue capacity.
Despite these challenges, Canada has been able to work with the Arctic and northern residents to develop new policies, initiatives, and partnerships. These have included benefit and partnership agreements with local communities, researchers, and non-governmental organizations.
Indigenous stewardship
The Government of Canada’s Arctic and Northern Policy Framework is a ten-year blueprint for addressing the challenges facing the region. It is the product of a process of co-development involving Indigenous and non-Indigenous partners. The Framework addresses issues such as health, employment, and community infrastructure.
The framework also highlights the importance of advancing reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. Reconciliation is integral to achieving the goals of the Arctic and Northern Policy Framework. It promotes sound stewardship of land and enhances Canada’s relationship with Indigenous peoples.
The Government of Canada has a responsibility to advance self-determination for Indigenous peoples in the north. It is important that the federal government work in partnership with Indigenous peoples.
Reconciliation has led to a renewed nation-to-nation relationship based on mutual recognition and co-operation. A commitment to full implementation of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and land claim agreements are key components of reconciliation.
In the Arctic and the North, long-standing inequalities remain. Indigenous peoples face significant challenges to employment, education, and health. Many youth struggle to find meaningful work.
Building on social infrastructure
Building on social infrastructure is a key element in Canada’s Northern Strategy. It will help support a healthy, safe, and strong Canadian Arctic region. This framework outlines a bold new direction for the Government of Canada.
The framework will guide investments through 2030. It will address health, education, employment, and community infrastructure. It also outlines opportunities to increase international leadership on Arctic issues. It identifies gaps in social and economic well-being in the Arctic and the North and proposes approaches to close them.
Social infrastructure is a set of physical, cultural and social facilities that promote health and well-being and improve community resilience. Programs are designed to ensure access to housing, child care, and recreational facilities. It supports the development of First Nations self-determination and partnerships with communities.
Insufficient housing is a common problem in many northern communities. This is a contributor to poor health outcomes. In addition, limited access to formal education is a barrier to local participation in the workforce.
Russia’s competitive risk
The Arctic region is a crucial strategic crossroads. It is home to a variety of economic interests, including those of Canada and Russia. These interests have created a variety of challenges and opportunities. Both nations have incentives to avoid conflict. They have also benefited from a rules-based international order. This rule-based international order is an important precondition for peace, security, and sustainable development in the Arctic.
The polar regions are undergoing rapid environmental change. This is having far-reaching impacts on the Arctic and its inhabitants. A strong economy and healthy communities are critical for the sustainability of the region. In addition, climate change has heightened the risk of human-created disasters. A robust response is necessary to mitigate these risks.
In addition to defending their national interests, both countries have a shared interest in promoting stability and cooperation in the Arctic. Both nations have established a commitment to information sharing and situational awareness in the Arctic. This helps to mitigate the risk of a military conflict.
