Political Science 2230E Chapter 7: The New Northern Policy Universe
8 Mar 2018
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Document Summary
Factors contributing to rapid changes: climate change, resource development, geopolitical. Climate change gives rise to global strategic issues transformations. 2007 speech from throne promised integrated northern strategy focused on strengthening. Canada"s sovereignty, protecting environment heritage, promoting social and economic development, improving governance. Most important: environment protection (maintains quality of life) and social/economic development and governance (help people gain control of their lives) Arctic is exposed and sensitive to climate change. Ice melting is happening fast and has many consequences. Ice melting has opened nw passage -> when open it will provide shipping route that is. Commercial shipping through passage should not be expected soon - russia is melting faster than canada. Questionable imminence considerably shorter than those present. Climate change is affecting quality of life for inuits and their environment - hunting, travel. Those who live in remote communities are most vulnerable. Major powers will be interested in north for economic and strategic reasons.
