Critics question Ottawa’s push to investigate oil and gas exploration in the Arctic
The Liberal government’s proposal to explore the impacts of oil and gas exploration in the Arctic raises eyebrows amongst critics who point to the high cost and sensitive ecosystem as barriers to developing natural resources in the region. “Any development of any fossil fuel infrastructure in the current climate makes no sense. But if they […]
The way forward in indigenous consultation and consent
Planning for seven generations is a phrase used by all sorts of people and corporations; however, the teaching is a complex critical engagement with long-term planning that not everyone truly understands. Ultimately, the concept refers to what Cindy Blackstock explains as an “understanding that you will be forgotten, but that you have a part in […]
Territorial Development
Justin Trudeau’s moment of truth coming in December
GATINEAU, QUE.—An issue that will be the first real test of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s credibility was elbowed aside recently by a trivial dust-up on the Commons floor. Some day Trudeau may look back on “elbow-gate” with fond nostalgia. That’s because a far more serious crisis looms. In the midst of the Commons melodrama, the […]
Diplomatic Circles: EU, Norway counsellors settled in
Security, trade and climate change are among the top priorities for a pair of diplomats who arrived in Canada during the federal election campaign. Else Kveinen, minister counsellor and deputy head of mission at the Norwegian Embassy, and Stefano Fantaroni, first counsellor at the European Union delegation, both arrived in Canada late last summer: Ms. […]
Northern Tour return sign of an engaged government, say diplomats
A popular government-subsidized tour of northern Canada for diplomatic heads of missions is back this year after a hiatus of a few years. The group is set to depart on Sunday for a week-long trip that run to June 6. John Babcock, a spokesperson for Global Affairs Canada, wrote in an emailed response to questions on […]
Liberals use consultation as cover for promise-breaking
When Public Services Minister Judy Foote appeared to be reneging recently on a Liberal campaign promise to restore home mail delivery services, it’s notable that she leaned on consultations as cover. “In light of the commitment that was made, we’ve heard from Canadians that maybe that’s not the way to go,” Foote told reporters. Now that […]
Resolute Bay should be a major government Arctic security hub
A number of years ago, I recommended that Resolute Bay be developed as a major government Arctic security hub. A number of recent events make it timely to revisit this recommendation. Global warming has continued to make the waters of the Arctic Archipelago more accessible to maritime traffic. Data from the National Snow and Ice […]
MP Saganash pushes Liberals to support his indigenous rights bill, says no need for more consultation
NDP Member of Parliament Romeo Saganash hoped that when Indigenous and Northern Affairs Minister Carolyn Bennett and Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould went to the United Nations earlier this week to announce Canada’s plan to implement the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples that they would have supported his call for a legislative framework […]
Canadian Arctic territorial claim dependent on inclusivity and collaboration with Inuit
Canada’s claim to its extended Arctic continental shelf can only be legitimized through an inclusive and collaborative engagement with circumpolar Inuit peoples. This was the sentiment that grounded panellists’ comments on Inuit and Canadian Arctic territorial claims at the Senate Liberals’ Open Caucus on Wednesday. Rapid ice melting in the Arctic has resulted in a […]
