Canada and Russia in an evolving circumpolar Arctic

Abstract

Canada and the Russian Federation have pursued significantly different strategies for economic development and security in their respective circumpolar regions. These policies have resulted in very different northern strategic and economic outcomes. While material differences in geography, population distributions, and histories have unquestionably influenced northern development policies in Russia and Canada, Canada appears more concerned about the “risks” of northern development than the benefits that might accrue from economic advancement. After decades of Arctic offshore exploration and development, as a result of policies that reflect certain environmental, investment, and market priorities, Canada has, at least temporarily, chosen to suspend offshore exploration while having failed to formulate a formal policy for its Arctic. Regrettably, a five-year moratorium on Arctic offshore energy development was declared without any significant prior consultations with northerners.