Climate change and social development must remain top priorities for Arctic Council

OTTAWA – Canada’s term as the Chair of the Arctic Council must maintain the organization’s focus on environmental protection and social development, said New Democrats today.

“Canada must build on Arctic Council’s successes in climate research, search and rescue coordination and oil spill prevention,” said NDP Northern Development critic Dennis Bevington (Western Arctic). “The Conservatives are moving away from that agenda to a business-only focus.”

The Foreign Affairs committee recently released a major report on Canada’s agenda for the Arctic Council. Sadly, the minister did not appear before the committee and Conservative members did not agree to invite ambassadors from Arctic states to speak to the Committee.

This Wednesday, Canada will assume its rotation as Chair of the Arctic Council. The Council’s decisions are made through consensus.

“Canada’s success will require a deft hand at consensus building,” said New Democrat Foreign Affairs critic Paul Dewar (Ottawa Centre). “The Minister’s consultations with other member states were subpar, she did not appear before the committee and, regrettably, Conservatives did not agree to invite ambassadors from Arctic states to speak to our committee. We must do better and I urge the government to take its role as the chair of this important organization seriously.”

The report was tabled in the House of Commons on May 10. Copies of the report and NDP comments can be found here: http://www.parl.gc.ca/HousePublications/Publication.aspx?DocId=6152661&Language=E&Mode=1&Parl=41&Ses=1.