National Defence committee  The submarine question is a nightmare for the international lawyer, because if we know, and they didn't ask permission—I fall back on this being where ignorance is bliss—then let's hope that with NORAD and NATO we have agreements that cover most of those transits. If it is show

National Defence committee  I started the project in 2001 very enthusiastic about the possibility that continental defence and homeland security was our way into changing the official American position. But after meetings with State Department officials, I think, officially, the United States have no wriggl

National Defence committee  I believe so, and I would agree fully with your opening statement about the nature of and how the other disputes will be managed. I think they will be managed very legally. The Northwest Passage is a whole other situation. In fact, Canada is a bit isolated in its position and is

National Defence committee  I would hope not. I think not. I think there's enough activity and other things on the table, such as proposals for Arctic training centres on the Northwest Passage. I think the Canadian government, at the moment, is demonstrating quite a sustained interest in Arctic sovereignty.

National Defence committee  Thank you. Indeed that was what I was getting to at the very beginning, but my seven minutes were up. There are a number of legal challenges, such as the control of Canada's sovereign rights over the Arctic Ocean basin, the extended continental shelf, the maritime boundary, the

National Defence committee  As for the military aspect, I think you are absolutely right. If a Russian or Chinese warship were to dispute Canada's sovereignty, we would have to hope that applicable diplomatic agreements were already in place. In contrast, if it were a merchant ship, I hope that the situatio

National Defence committee  I was ridiculed for bringing that up, but someone from Foreign Affairs was saying there will always be ice in the Arctic because it's a cold and nasty place. I suggest that it's been raised in important circles south of the border, and I think it's very much un enjeu, a strong po

National Defence committee  I'll just conclude, Mr. Chair. Given the distances involved and the harsh conditions, I think it would be entirely appropriate, as has been suggested, to have a specialized unit stationed in the Arctic--at least with one helicopter, at least during the summer shipping season. A

National Defence committee  Merci, monsieur le président. Thank you for this opportunity to discuss Arctic sovereignty with you and the members of the committee. I'd like to emphasize that I will be speaking from the perspective of a legal academic who is concerned with Canada's legal case in the Arctic