Columbia International Affairs Online: Policy Briefs

CIAO DATE: 06/2014

The Northwest Territories and Arctic Maritime Development in the Beaufort Area

John Higginbotham, Marina Grosu

May 2014

Centre for International Governance Innovation

Abstract

The Arctic is facing remarkable climatic and oceanic change that is triggering unprecedented opportunities and challenges for Arctic nations, as well as for countries that do not have Arctic territory but are eager to engage and invest in the region. For Canada and the United States, the Beaufort basin offers unique opportunities for Alaska and Canada’s Arctic territories. The policy brief argues that cooperation with the United States on Arctic economic development should be a top priority in Canada’s bilateral relations. The brief concludes with a "blueprint for action" for steps the Government of Canada should take for long-term Canadian Arctic maritime development.