Report of the Special Senate Committee on the Arctic
THE FUTURE IS NOW: INTRODUCTION OF THE CHAIR AND DEPUTY CHAIR
Northern Lights: A Wake-Up Call for the Future of Canada is the result of the Senate Special Committee on the Arctic’s year-long study. Its title reflects the urgency resulting from a history of neglect and disregard, and the deep connection to the land and environment, and references the aurora borealis and its link to Northern people’s ancestors. It underlines the plethora of future opportunities of Canada’s north. The North IS the future of Canada in countless ways. The issues are urgent; the recommendations require immediate action.
The parameters are the six themes of the government’s Arctic Policy Framework (APF). Mandate letters of the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and the Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs, had the stated goal to “continue to advance work on a shared Arctic Leadership model and support northern programming, governing institutions, and scientific initiatives.” The APF was not released by the time of our writing. May this report assist in developing a living, comprehensive long-term Arctic policy.
The testimonies we heard, and information garnered on the committee’s fact-finding mission to Canada’s North, proved that multiple issues intersect, affecting the daily lives of Northerners as well as well as Canada’s national security and international relations. Time and internet connectivity precluded an exhaustive study, but it became clear the committee should be permanent, charged with further work and monitoring the many concerning situations. These interconnecting issues include northerners’ health, economy, housing, security, education, food, culture, language, communications, climate change, shipping and more. The breadth and scope of the Arctic is vast. The concerns are now covered by many government departments. We believe the continued collegial, constructive and consensus-based approach of a single, non-partisan parliamentary committee, wholly focused on the north, will be foundational in moving the APF forward.
