... continueCanadian Polar Commission
At the time of the CWG meeting, the federal government was reviewing the record of the Canadian Polar Commission (CPC) and considering what its future should be. With its previous mandate and programs under review it was timely for the CWG to revisit the mission of the CPC and offer the government its views on the role of the Commission.
• As it has evolved, the CPC is not a creature of its own clientele. It finds little favour among either northerners or the scientific community. The report of the Standing Committee elaborates the views of people from these constituencies. And by the Commission's own admission, it has little impact in Ottawa among political and administrative officials.
• The CWG believes it is timely to revisit and re-direct the vision and mission of the CPC. The Commission's programs over the past few years, while focusing on current issues, did little to advance the cause of science itself and often duplicated efforts being undertaken by others. The opinion of the CWG is that the original purpose, and means of achieving that purpose, remain as valid and important today, as in 1991 when the CPC was established. If Canada is to play a significant role in circumpolar affairs, its science must be as good as any, and a vital "Canadian Polar Commission" will be needed to make an effective case for support of focused, balanced and imaginative approaches to Arctic science.
• In addition, we should expect of the Commission that its voice in Ottawa genuinely reflects the needs of the North and the Canadian scientific community. In advocating for the needs of the North, the CPC was never intended as a top down organization. Rather, it was expected the Commission would listen, and on reflection, be a voice for northerners. Similarly, the Canadian scientific community requires an understanding ear and a spokesperson that will, with passion, advocate on its behalf a well thought out program of Arctic science.
Conclusions
As Canada stands poised to join in Arctic Council discussions about circumpolar issues and opportunities, we will need to present the very best in science. This will require a forward looking strategy that links diverse kinds of knowledge and interdisciplinary frameworks needed to inform policy choices. The CWG believes that a renewed Canadian Polar Commission is essential to accomplish this and therefore, supports a revitalized and re-directed Commission. To do this it will be necessary to properly fund the Commission and ensure that it is committed at all levels to its fundamental purpose. Its 1991 mandate should be updated, but still offers a sound basis for an effective CPC.
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