Canada plans to build an arctic base

That’s right, the CBC has learned that the government of Canada plans to build an arctic base! The plan is to convert an abandoned lead-and-zinc min, located on the northern tip of Baffin Island (view map), into a deepwater docking facility. The government also plans to build a northern army training centre. The army training centre is expected to be located in Resolute, Nunavut (view map), one of Canada’s most northern communities, sitting on the shores of the disputed Northwest Passage. The international strait remains free to all navigation, although Canada claims ownership over the much-coveted waterway and shipping route.

This is great news for Canada, and it comes at a time when we really need to start asserting our sovereignty in the north. We only have to think of Russia planting flag and claiming resources in our waters as a reason why! We should be in control of the ships traveling through our waters, and in control of how the region is managed. I want my government to be making the calls when deciding to let large tankers pass or not. I want my government to be declaring protected wildlife areas. The only way to do this is to spend the money, build the ships, and send the people. Now is the time to act, and this is a step in the right direction!