December 6, 2024 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada
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.
That is why the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today 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.
Quotes
“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
“I am proud to support a new Arctic Foreign Policy that includes northern Indigenous knowledge, builds on the co-developed 2019 Arctic and Northern Policy Framework and reflects on the needs and priorities of the North. Placing Indigenous voices, knowledge, and wisdom at the foreground of both the policy and its implementation will ensure that the future of the Canadian Arctic on the international stage is shaped by the communities who have called the Arctic home since time immemorial.”
– Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs
“Inuit Nunangat, the Inuit homeland in Canada, makes up 40 percent of Canada’s land area and all of its Arctic coastline. Security and prosperity of Inuit Nunangat is a shared priority for Inuit and Canada, articulated through our work at the Inuit Crown Partnership Committee table. Building on our successful co-development of elements of the Arctic Foreign Policy through ICPC, we are committed to continue work to ensure that Inuit and Canada jointly deliver on the AFP’s strong ambitions.”
– Natan Obed, President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami
“Effective partnerships for a stronger, flourishing Arctic rely on co-development with Inuit, whether it be at home or abroad. Removing barriers for Inuit to connect with each other across borders and strengthening institutions, including the Arctic Council, are examples of what lies ahead. The Arctic Foreign Policy and policies like it must uphold Inuit self-determination, including our full and effective participation. We look forward to the work ahead with the federal government to make this happen.”
– Lisa Qiluqqi Koperqualuk, President of Inuit Circumpolar Council Canada
“The Yukon is stepping up as a key leader in Canada’s Arctic security. I welcome the Arctic Foreign Policy for strengthening Canada’s role in critical discussions and fostering collaboration in this vital region. With strategic investments, strong partnerships and northern voices included, the Yukon is ready to tackle challenges and support Canada’s leadership in the Arctic.”
– Ranj Pillai, Premier of the Yukon
“This new Arctic Foreign Policy reflects the evolving realities of our region and highlights the importance of collaboration between Canada, Indigenous governments, and Arctic and territorial partners. In the Northwest Territories, safeguarding Arctic sovereignty and security goes hand in hand with advancing opportunities for Northerners. By investing in resilient infrastructure, housing, and climate solutions, we can ensure a stable and prosperous future for those who call the North home, while reinforcing Canada’s leadership and security on the global stage.”
– R.J. Simpson, Premier of the Northwest Territories
“Nunavut welcomes Canada’s new Arctic-specific foreign policy and looks forward to partnering with the federal government to advance our country’s efforts regarding Arctic sovereignty and security. Our territory’s history and geography uniquely position Nunavut to play a strategic role in Team Canada’s diplomatic endeavours. We look forward to advancing the objectives of this policy through investments in transformative nation-building infrastructure that meet local community needs, forge opportunities for economic development and address reconciliation, and our country’s geopolitical interests in Arctic sovereignty and security.”
– P.J. Akeeagok, Premier of Nunavut
“The Arctic Athabaskan Council welcomes Canada’s new foreign policy on the Arctic which recognizes the autonomy and sovereignty of Indigenous Peoples. Only by working together towards common goals can we achieve our objectives.”
– Bill Erasmus, International Chair of the Arctic Athabaskan Council
Quick facts
- The Arctic region is central to Canada’s national identity, prosperity and security. The Canadian Arctic covers 40% of Canada’s territory and more than 70% of its coastline and is home to many Canadians, including Indigenous Peoples, who have inhabited this land since time immemorial.
- One of the core priorities for the Arctic Foreign Policy is to deepen cooperation across the North American Arctic. The North American Arctic encompasses the vast northern territories of three countries: Alaska (the United States) in the west; northern Canada in the centre; and Greenland (the Kingdom of Denmark) in the east. The relationships in this region are unique due to geographical proximity and the ancestral relations that exist among Indigenous Peoples.
- Global Affairs Canada is responsible for coordinating and leading the international aspects of Canada’s engagement in and on the Arctic. Canada is an active member of the Arctic Council, the main international forum for Arctic cooperation.
- The Arctic Foreign Policy builds on the International chapter of the ANPF, launched in 2019. The Framework was co-developed with territorial and provincial governments and Indigenous Peoples and is still very relevant and continues to be implemented.