Vast distances and thin population are challenges in many parts of Canada. But consider how much greater they are in the far north.
As the federal government continues promoting its strategy of a beefed-up presence in the Arctic region, one organization raises some cautionary points. The Federation of Canadian Municipalities says in a report released Tuesday, in addition to increased military presence, the communities there need critical infrastructure.
Good point. If more people are to inhabit these more remote towns and posts, if there is to be more military personnel, they’ll need reliable roads and good quality housing that won’t fall if a warming climate sees frozen ground beneath them melting.
They’ll need the usual safeguards and technologies found in modern urban settings to protect the environment. Steadily improving communication setups will be critical to keep the region linked to the rest of the country.
Attention to the resource-rich North has steadily increased in recent years – among all the higher-latitude countries. Canada is simply acknowledging it will have to assert more of a military presence to ensure any claim.
That was much the gist of Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s recent Arctic visit – and earlier ones. Along with references to the necessary military spending, he announced investment in a new High Arctic Research Station in Cambridge Bay, Nunavut.
The federation certainly isn’t questioning the need for a focus on more military and better equipment. But the report is suggesting that the military investment include all these other necessary provisions for communities. It says that has been the approach of other nations in northerly regions as they continue development. But it needs to have that continuum, rather than having the investment in spurts.
This is all vital in confirming the country’s presence in this region. But it’s worth considering carefully whether the country is overextending itself if it doesn’t give fair due to all the necessary ingredients.
