synergy session: "arctic sovereignty and security: what role for national defence?" with...
TRANSCRIPT
1 UNCLASSIFIED
Scope and Scale
– Two thirds of Canada’s coastline
– 40 % of Canada’s landmass
– Roughly 100,000 inhabitants
Arctic Circle
Sub Arctic
High Arctic
North Arctic
60 N
55 N
Geography
3
Strategic Environment • Climate change is leading to increased human
activity in the North
• Domestic and international interest in the region has increased considerably
• No foreseeable military threat in the North – defence issues do not drive Arctic affairs
• However, emerging safety and security challenges: – maritime and air traffic – search and rescue – environmental concerns – illegal entry of people and goods
• Difficult operating environment (vast/remote area, harsh climate, sparse population, minimal infrastructure)
UNCLASSIFIED
Arctic Sovereignty Myths & Realities
• Governed space subject to international laws
• Peaceful management of disputes: – Hans Island
– Lincoln Sea
– Beaufort Sea
• Extended continental shelf
• The Northwest Passage
Canada’s Northern Strategy
5
Exercising our Arctic sovereignty as international interest in the region increases
Encouraging social and economic development and regulatory improvements that benefit Northerners
Adapting to climate change challenges and ensuring sensitive Arctic ecosystems are protected for future generations
Providing Northerners with more control over their economic and political destiny
“Our Government is securing our Northern sovereignty; promoting prosperity for Northerners; protesting our Arctic environmental heritage; and giving the people of the North a greater say in their own affairs.”
Speech from the Throne, Oct 2013
Sovereignty
Economic and Social
Development Environmental
Protection Governance
UNCLASSIFIED
Canada’s Arctic Foreign Policy
6
Enhancing key bilateral relationships
Pursuing a strengthened Arctic Council
Working through multilateral institutions
Vision: A stable, rules-based region with clearly defined boundaries, dynamic economic growth and trade, vibrant Northern communities and healthy and productive eco-systems.
UNCLASSIFIED
7
Working Draft – For Official Use Only 1
9
Arctic Council Countries
— Arctic Circle — Canada’s Arctic
Canada’s Arctic Council Priorities: - Responsible Arctic Resource Development - Safe Arctic shipping - Sustainable circumpolar communities
8
Canada First Defence Strategy
• Canada First Defence Strategy directs National Defence to:
– Exercise and defend Arctic sovereignty
– Demonstrate a visible presence in the region
– Conduct daily domestic and continental operations, including in the Arctic
– Support other government departments and agencies when requested – military is not the lead but plays key supporting role
UNCLASSIFIED
9
Military Infrastructure
Eureka
UNCLASSIFIED
Northern Watch North Warning System
Forward Operating Location (NORAD)
JTFN Detachments
JTFN Headquarters CFS Alert
10
Canadian Armed Forces Activities in the North
• Annual Operations – Operation NUNAKPUT (summer) – Operation NUNALIVUT (March and April) – Operation NANOOK (August) – Operation QIMMIQ
• Routine surveillance flights
• Search and Rescue Operations • Regular flights to Canadian Armed Forces Station
Alert and other Defence locations for resupply
• Regularly provide assistance to our federal partners in the North
UNCLASSIFIED
11
Arctic Initiatives
• Strengthening our Arctic presence and capacity: – Arctic/Offshore patrol ships
– Berthing and Refuelling Facility at Nanisivik
– CF Arctic Training Centre (Resolute Bay)
– Canadian Rangers Program expansion and modernization
– Arctic Response Company Groups
– Primary Reserve Company based in Yellowknife
UNCLASSIFIED
Arctic Initiatives
Space-based systems: Capability: Surveillance and Communications
– RADARSAT-2:
– Polar Epsilon – Polar Epsilon 2
– Polar Communications and Weather Satellite Project
13
Defence Cooperation–Bilateral Canada-US
• Permanent Joint Board on Defence regularly examines Arctic issues
• Tri-Command Arctic Framework:
Canada-Denmark • Memorandum of Understanding on Arctic Defence,
Security and Cooperation – Enhanced consultation, information exchange, visits, exercises
• Canada-Norway – Strategic Defence Dialogue
UNCLASSIFIED
14
Defence Cooperation–Multilateral
• Arctic Council Search and Rescue Agreement (2011) – Table top exercise to implement the agreement
(Whitehorse, 2011) – Canada participated in first live exercise under the agreement
hosted by Denmark in 2012
• Annual meeting of Chiefs of Defence from the eight Arctic nations, inaugurated by Canada in 2012 to strengthen relationships and foster discussions on common safety and security issues
• Op NANOOK – Invitations to selected international partners to exercise collective
responses to emerging cross-border challenges.
UNCLASSIFIED
15
Looking Ahead
• Continued acceleration of interest and activity in the North means that Canadian Armed Forces will play increasingly vital role in the region.
• North will remain challenging environment in which to operate.
• Addressing capability gaps in communications, surveillance, infrastructure and sustainment will continue to be top priority.
• Growing demands and costs of operating in the region mean that strengthening cooperation with territories, OGD, industry and international partners will be increasingly important.
UNCLASSIFIED