Transcript Slide 1

P. Whitney Lackenbauer, Ph.D.
Associate Professor and Chair
Department of History
St. Jerome’s University (University of Waterloo)
13 October 2010
“We believe that Canadians are excited about the
government asserting Canada’s control and
sovereignty in the Arctic. We believe that’s one of the
big reasons why Canadians are excited and support
our plan to rebuild the Canadian Forces. I think it’s
practically and symbolically hugely important, much
more important than the dollars spent. And I’m
hoping that years from now, Canada’s Arctic
sovereignty, military and otherwise, will be, frankly,
a major legacy of this government.”
Outline
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Historical Overview
Strategic / Policy
frameworks
Opportunities to
leverage DND/CF
infrastructure
investments to
benefit Northern
communities … and
vice versa
‘‘Of all the polar
countries, Canada has
been the weakest in
developing the potential
of its Arctic regions and
in responding to its full
range of responsibilities.’’
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Arctic Waters Pollution Prevention Act (100
miles)
To develop a role merely to satisfy the “optical
demands” of political sovereignty “would be to
build on shifting sands…. It would not be long
before somebody noticed that one visit of the
Governor General, accompanied by an enthusiastic
press corps, can provide a sovereign presence to a
remote area much more effectively and much more
cheaply than 100 [Canadian Armed Forces]
surveillance overflights.”
-- Lawyer Erik Wang, CFHQ, April 1969
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Northern Region
Headquarters
(1970)
NORPLOYs
NORPATs
Land Force
exercises
Rangers revitalized
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Engineers and nationbuilding
Northern Airfields
 Remote bridges
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Joe Clark, House of Commons Debates, 10 Sept. 1985
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↑ CF sovereignty exercises and overflights
Forward Operating Locations
Fixed sub-surface sonar
Polar 8 icebreaker
High Arctic Base
Nuclear submarines
North Warning System
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Perform military
tasks in support of
sovereignty
Inexpensive &
effective
Representative
Bridge between
military and
Aboriginal cultures
Communities benefit
Media accolades
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End of the Cold War: from controlled
military area to potential economic zone
Long range air carriers
Maritime Activities
Natural Resources
Organized Crime
Terrorism
WMD
Source: AMAP
– 6-8 new Arctic/Offshore Patrol
vessels
– Building a deep water Arctic docking
and refuelling facility in Nanisivik
– Launched RadarSat-2
– Canadian Forces Arctic Training
Centre in Resolute
– Polar class icebreaker (CCG)
– Arctic Response Company Groups
– Yellowknife Reserve Company
– Expand and enhance the “Arctic”
(Canadian) Rangers
Six core missions:
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Conduct daily domestic and continental
operations, including in the Arctic and
through NORAD;
Support a major international event in
Canada;
Respond to a major terrorist attack;
Support civilian authorities during a crisis in
Canada such as a natural disaster;
Lead and/or conduct a major international
operation for an extended period; and
Deploy forces in response to crises
elsewhere in the world for shorter periods.
Stable, Predictable Funding
Right Equipment and Training
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Finally, the Canadian Forces must
have the capacity to exercise control
over and defend Canada’s sovereignty
in the Arctic. New opportunities are
emerging across the region, bringing
with them new challenges. As activity
in northern lands and waters
accelerates, the military will play an
increasingly vital role in
demonstrating a visible Canadian
presence in this potentially resource
rich region, and in helping other
government agencies such as the
Coast Guard respond to any threats
that may arise.
Op NUNALIVUT
Mar/Apr
Op NUNAKPUT
Jul-Sept
Op NANOOK
Aug
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Strengthen Canada’s sovereignty
Protect our environmental heritage
promote economic and social development
Improve Northern governance
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“Our vision for the Arctic is a stable, rulesbased region with clearly defined boundaries,
dynamic economic growth and trade, vibrant
Northern communities, and healthy and
productive ecosystems.”
“Canada does not anticipate any military
challenges in the Arctic and believes that the
region is well managed through existing
institutions, particularly the Arctic Council.”
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A Northern Vision: A Stronger North and a Better
Canada (2007)
sovereignty comes through sustainable communities,
with robust infrastructure, an educated and capable
population, and lower costs of living
 encouraged the federal government to collaborate “to
enhance monitoring and enforcement capabilities in the
Arctic”
 “Northern issues must be addressed by Northern voices”
 “to support increased efforts by Canada to strengthen
bilateral relations with our Arctic neighbours to help
ensure that our circumpolar interests remain a priority
area for multilateral cooperation.”
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“Whether for support of economic
development, the enhancement of
Canadian sovereignty or the
simple matter of equality of
northern citizens with those of
other areas of Canada, access to
and within these regions is
integral. Northern transportation
infrastructure, where it exists, is
ageing and in need of significant
re-investment.”
‘‘The Arctic also needs
investment in infrastructure.
Lack of adequate infrastructure
capital currently impedes
development of viable small
business enterprises that are so
necessary for a strong and
diversified economy.’’
Mary Simon, ‘‘Inuit Unveil Action Plan to Develop
Next Chapter of Inuit Development with
Canada,’’ Address to The Empire Club of Canada,
Toronto, 15 February 2007, 3.
Recommendations:
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Develop a long-term plan to invest in
northern infrastructure
Make Canada’s North the world
leader in climate change adaptation
Use smart military investments
as the backbone for building
the New North
Information technology
Make partnership official policy
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“Let me be clear. Canada does not see a
conventional military threat in the
Arctic in the foreseeable future.
The real challenges in the region are,
therefore, related to safety and
security.”
Speech to a conference in Washington, DC, 28 April 2010
Dr. D.E. Atkinson, International Arctic Research Centre, UAF
Benjamin James, US Geological Survey
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Military investment and development
stimulated by crisis … and often short-lived
Historically, the military has had a direct and
indirect influence on northern socio-economic
development – often unintentionally
Bold visions to modernize the north have
rarely been implemented
Territorial governments and Aboriginal
peoples are now central actors in development,
demonstrating sovereignty, and defence
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Hon. Lawrence Cannon (July 2009): “A strategy
is only as good as the action it inspires.”
Need to implement the Northern Strategy
Sovereignty well in hand (DFAIT)
DND/CF horizon 1 and 2 focus on security and
safety issues (rather than conventional military
threats)
Coordinated, sustainable government plan
Leverage public-private partnerships?