Researching The High Arctic

Some good news out of Prime Minister Harper's visit to the Arctic.  Canada's claims of Arctic sovereignty, so long taken for granted, so much a part of Canadian heritage and pride, is being slowly threatened by the new accessibility through the Northwest Passage with inexorable climate change resulting in melting of massive tonnages of sea ice.  Other claimants to part of what Canada has always considered to be its northern heritage are interested in claims of their own.

To persuade Norway, Denmark, Russia, the United States (and even China which has set its sights on accessing new transit routes from the Atlantic to the Pacific to enhance shipping over shorter, less costly distances) that Canada takes its claims seriously, it's clear that this country requires a larger permanent presence there.  Prime Minister Harper has announced the formation of a new far north national preserve.

And he has also announced the funding and planning of a new research facility in the High Arctic.  The research centre design contract has been awarded with $142-million slated over the next six years for its design and construction.  It will be built at Cambridge Bay, Nunavut, a community along the North-West Passage.  The plan is for 35 to 50 seasonal, part- and full-time staff to be stationed there, from 2017 forward.

The Canadian High Arctic Research Centre will receive $26-million annually in operating costs, and will represent a unique northern scientific research opportunity for the international community.  "Our government believes the right place to do research about the North is in the North", said Harper logically enough.

The construction phase of the project will offer approximately 150 local jobs.  "Building infrastructure big or small requires a substantial effort over many years.  The building of Nunavut is a project that impacts the entire country", said Nunavut Premier Eva Aariak, referring both to jobs opening up throughout the Arctic, and extending to other, distant parts of the country.

A multinational study has found that climate change in the north was having the effect of reducing biodiversity, posing "significant challenges to the survival of some of the Arctic's unique marine species".  Ten teams of scientists from 27 countries were involved in the study which was presented at an April conference held in Montreal.

Since Cambridge Bay is the largest stop for research and passenger vessels traversing the Northwest Passage, it makes eminently good sense to have the research station built there.  Prime Minister Harper spoke of the station as a "meeting place" for Canada's top scientists, as well as senior researchers from around the Globe. 

Here's hoping that the Conservative government is serious about committing finances and resources to scientific enquiry and research in reflection of our pride in the magnificent geography and diversity held in the northern half of the North American Continent.  An additional commitment to Arctic search-and-rescue, and investment in a fleet of Arctic ships would also enhance our presence.