We don't recognize at the moment the existence of a direct military threat to the Arctic. In the context of looking at Canadian sovereignty, we would look at it from the perspective that the Department of National Defence is not the lead ministry with regard to the whole-of-government team in the Arctic; there are many other players. That question, then. needs to be addressed at multiple levels across government to get an understanding of what environmental change is going to bring to the north.
I would point out that capabilities we're bringing on-line, such as the Arctic offshore patrol vessel and the establishment of the facility in Nanisivik, will give the Canadian Forces a greater posture in the north going forward, just as at the same time, as part of the plan for the north, we're building operational support hubs to be able to facilitate operations, should we be required to do so.
In terms of consequence management, however, really our focus is on our ability to respond to and reinforce other government departments who have the lead in responding to contingencies.
General Nixon?