Ottawa – The Arctic is experiencing major change. The shifting geopolitical landscape, evolving security threats and acceleration of climate change are impacting the Arctic in unique ways and highlight the need for strong Canadian leadership to respond to the changing reality in the region.
Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced the launch of Canada’s Arctic Foreign Policy (AFP). The launch of the AFP is the culmination of months of extensive engagement with territorial and provincial governments and Inuit, First Nations and Métis. The AFP was also informed by consultations with the Kingdom of Denmark; Finland; Iceland; Norway; Sweden; and the United States, Canada’s like-minded Arctic partners.
The AFP is a comprehensive diplomatic strategy for Canada’s engagement in and on the Arctic. It provides expanded presence and partnerships to address current needs and the flexibility to adapt to future challenges. This approach complements the 2019 Arctic and Northern Policy Framework (ANPF), and it will allow Canada to continue to safeguard its sovereignty, advance national interests and promote a stable, prosperous and secure Arctic based on a shared vision for the region’s future.
The AFP is composed of four foreign policy pillars: asserting Canada’s sovereignty; advancing Canada’s interests through pragmatic diplomacy; leadership on Arctic governance and multilateral challenges; and adopting a more inclusive approach to Arctic diplomacy.
The AFP will foster a more secure, prosperous and resilient Arctic for Canadians in the face of new and emerging threats to the region. It will also advance the priorities of territorial and provincial governments and the First Nations, Inuit, Métis, Modern Treaty and Self-Governing Partners who call the Arctic home.
“We are in a tough world, and we need to be tough in our response. Competition is growing across the globe, and the Arctic is not immune. Many countries, including non-Arctic states, aspire for a greater role in Arctic affairs. The evolving security and political realities in the region mean we need a new approach to advance our national interests and to ensure a stable, prosperous and secure Arctic, especially for the Northerners and the Indigenous Peoples who call Arctic home.” – Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs
“Climate change is increasing access to Arctic resources and shipping lanes, enticing nations to the region and heightening competition. This evolving environment creates new security challenges. Canada’s Arctic Foreign Policy responds to these growing challenges with a focus on asserting our sovereignty in the North, while supporting prosperity for those living there. This new policy complements our defence policy, Our North-Strong and Free: A Renewed Vision for Canada’s Defence, which will see us expand our presence in the North.” – Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence