Thank you, Mr. Chair. Thank you for the invitation to appear with my colleagues, Eric Laporte and General Rivière. We are very pleased to brief you today on this very pertinent and topical issue.
In December 2024, after months of meaningful and distinctions-based engagement with indigenous partners and territorial and provincial governments, Canada launched the Arctic foreign policy in response to the evolving geopolitical context in the Arctic. Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine in 2022 shook the foundations of international co-operation in the Arctic and around the world. Canada has been clear there will be no business as usual with Russia, at the Arctic Council or elsewhere.
From a security perspective, the harsh Arctic environment and sea ice no longer offer the same level of natural protection they once did. As international maritime activity increases, more countries are turning their eyes to the Arctic as a region of opportunity to pursue their economic and geopolitical interests. There is a narrative among some non-Arctic states that because, as they say, what happens in the Arctic affects them, they should have a greater role in Arctic governance. Canada's position is that the Arctic should be governed by the Arctic states first and foremost, in collaboration with Arctic and northern indigenous peoples.
Canada's Arctic foreign policy, which builds on and complements the Arctic and northern policy framework, responds to these and other challenges. The policy consists of four pillars.
The first, asserting our sovereignty, recognizes that diplomacy and defence policy go hand in hand. It identifies areas where diplomacy can support Canada's Arctic security agenda, such as by holding an Arctic security dialogue with Arctic allies at the foreign minister level. It also recognizes the need for better information sharing with domestic partners on international security trends in the Arctic and supporting research security in the Arctic. It also calls for Canada to manage Arctic boundary disputes through a rules-based approach, including for Tartupaluk—also known as Hans Island—and the extended continental shelf.
The second pillar, advancing Canada's interests through pragmatic diplomacy, prioritizes co-operation with like-minded Arctic states, particularly in setting the rules that govern the region. It calls for Canada to enhance co-operation with our most important partners in the Arctic: the United States and the Nordic states. Recognizing the importance of the North American Arctic, the policy states that Canada will open new consulates in Nuuk, Greenland, and Anchorage, Alaska, to promote economic ties, security partnerships, environmental co-operation and people-to-people connections. Co-operation with non-Arctic states and actors is beneficial to address global challenges impacting the Arctic, such as climate change. The EU, the U.K., Japan and South Korea are priority partners in this regard, highlighted in the policy.
The third pillar concerns leadership in Arctic governance and multilateral issues. Canada reaffirms the need for Arctic states to continue to lead a well-governed, rules-based region. Canada will increase its financial contributions to the Arctic Council to support Canadian leadership and engagement.
The fourth pillar of the policy concerns adopting a more inclusive approach to Arctic diplomacy. Canada will strengthen its engagement with like-minded states, territorial and provincial governments, indigenous peoples and other domestic partners to develop a more inclusive and coherent approach to Arctic diplomacy. These partners must be active participants in international relations, beyond the Arctic Council.
Canada will also facilitate access to international markets for goods and products from indigenous and northern communities, in addition to attracting foreign direct investment to these communities to contribute to economic and infrastructure development.
Canada has also created the position of Arctic ambassador. Virginia Mearns was appointed to this position by the Prime Minister last July, and she officially began on September 15. The ambassador plays a key role in ensuring that Canada's foreign policy for the Arctic continues to be connected to Canadians living in the north, including by having an office based in northern Canada, in Iqaluit.
I will add that the ambassador is very disappointed that she isn't able to attend this meeting for technical reasons. She asked me to let you know that she wanted to join you as soon as possible.
In conclusion, Canada's Arctic foreign policy will strengthen Canada's position in the Arctic.
I want to thank the members of the committee for their attention and commitment to this important issue.
We look forward to your questions.
