Recent actions by U.S. President Donald Trump concerning Greenland and the continental supremacy mentioned in the new U.S. national security strategy have alerted Canadians to potential threats to their Arctic sovereignty. Canada’s collaboration with the U.S. in developing advanced technology raises concerns about the future possibility of American control over Canada’s Arctic archipelago.
The U.S. is relying on Canadian expertise and input for the construction of a new fleet of ships intended to bolster its presence in the regions surrounding the North Pole. This new fleet aligns with a national security strategy emphasizing the U.S.’s right to secure access to key areas across the Western Hemisphere.
According to a document from the Department of War, the U.S. aims to ensure military and commercial access from the Arctic to South America, emphasizing strategic locations like Greenland, the Gulf of America, and the Panama Canal.
Historical Context
The current relationship between the U.S. and Canada in the High Arctic stems from informal agreements established after a sovereignty dispute in 1985. During this period, the U.S. Coast Guard vessel USCGC Polar Sea navigated from Greenland to the Chukchi Sea through the Northwest Passage without seeking Canada’s permission but providing notification only.
Canada’s claim that the channels between Arctic islands constitute “internal waters” has been challenged due to the distance between these islands exceeding the standard territorial waters limit of 12 nautical miles.
This voyage incited controversy in Canada, prompting the U.S. to allow Canadian observers on board. Subsequently, an agreement was reached for the U.S. to seek Canadian approval for future voyages without acknowledging Canada’s claim over the passage.
Implications and Future Scenarios
The legal complexities surrounding the Northwest Passage may lead the U.S. to maintain the status quo or adopt a more assertive approach by seizing land along the passage to reinforce its internal waters claim. This could result in other nations, including Canada, needing U.S. approval to navigate what Canada considers its territorial waters.
Experts suggest that the U.S. could potentially demand control over the entire coastline along the Northwest Passage to enforce its stance. The evolving situation may require Canada to address false claims similar to those made by Trump concerning foreign ships near Greenland.
The ICE Pact and Strategic Decisions
The ICE Pact, a collaboration agreement involving Canada, the U.S., and Finland to construct icebreakers jointly, signifies a strategic move to enhance U.S. capabilities in the High Arctic. However, concerns arise about whether assisting the U.S. in developing vessels could compromise Canadian sovereignty.
While delivery timelines for new Arctic vessels extend beyond the current presidential term, experts advise Canada to monitor the situation closely and consider potential implications if the U.S. adopts a more aggressive stance.
