QUESTION PERIOD — Global Affairs
Arctic Foreign Policy
December 10, 2024
My question is for the Government Representative in the Senate. On Friday, the government announced a renewed foreign policy for the Arctic. Included in this announcement was the intention to revive the position of Arctic ambassador, a role that ended in 2006 under the previous government.
Why does this government think this role is important at this time? Are you confident it will be maintained should a new government come into power?
Thank you for your question. Let me begin by underlining that the Arctic foreign policy, which is a strategy focused on diplomacy, addresses the very real challenges and opportunities that Canada faces today and, notably, those that it expects to face in the coming decade. It gives Canada the diplomatic tools it needs to continue to assert its sovereignty, advance its national security interests and promote a stable, prosperous and secure Arctic for the people of the Arctic and our country.
I cannot speak to any future government’s commitments, but a look backward in history shows that this office, or something equivalent to it, did once exist and was terminated under a previous government.
Circumstances have changed, and our understanding of the threats and challenges to our sovereignty in the Arctic have changed. I hope that all governments will take that seriously. It’s an important part of our country, our identity and our sovereignty.
Thank you. Do you know when we can expect this office to be up and running with the new ambassador or the satellite sites that are to be opened up in Anchorage and Greenland?
Thank you for your question. I don’t have a specific timetable, senator, but I am advised that work is seriously under way.
