... continueRecommendations of the Calgary Working Group
What follows are the assessments and suggestions of the members of the CWG for many of the recommendations in the report of the Standing Committee. The CWG did not discuss all of the report's recommendations, and those it did were not all considered in the same detail. The Parliamentary Committee's recommendations receiving most attention were the ones most closely linked to the themes discussed immediately above. In each case the recommendation of the Standing Committee is reproduced and followed by a summary of the views and conclusions of the CWG.
Recommendation 1
The Committee recommends that the Government, in making a comprehensive response to this Report, elaborate an explicit international policy framework in which Canada's objectives in pursuing circumpolar cooperation and the proposed means for their achievement are systematically set out. In order to build public awareness and seek additional input, we further recommend that such a "Canadian Circumpolar Cooperation Framework" be considered by a national public forum, with representation from all regions, especially from northern Canada, and from interested provincial and territorial governments, to be held during the period of Canada's chairmanship of the Arctic Council.
The CWG supports this recommendation, though a greater degree of involvement is warranted for "representation" from the northern regions of Canada. The CWG recommends that the May 1998 Sustainable Development conference in Whitehorse be a "national public forum" at which development of a "Canadian Circumpolar Cooperation Framework" is the main purpose. Similarly, the 1998 National Forum on Canada's International Relations should be a venue for the development of such a framework.
Recommendation 2
The Committee recommends that the federal Government lead in devising an "Arctic Region 2000 Strategy" that would establish a coherent set of Canadian priorities for the next century, including pursuit of foreign policy objectives in the context of Recommendation 1 for a Canadian Circumpolar Cooperation Framework. The process for developing and carrying forward this strategy should fully involve provinces and territories whose interests are affected, but should also be more than just interdepartmental and intergovernmental. In particular, provision should be made for direct public and parliamentary input, participation by NGOs and, especially, northern-based and aboriginal groups. To that end, we recommend that a continuing consultative mechanism be attached to the Strategy which would promote consensus-building around long-term solutions and advise on policy evolution and implementation issues. As part of that mechanism, a circumpolar foreign policy working group should be established to focus on effective ways of achieving Canadian interests through international initiatives and through leadership in multilateral cooperation bodies, notably the Arctic Council.
In supporting this recommendation, the CWG recommends that the Whitehorse conference and the National Forum, referred to immediately above in the commentary on Recommendation 1, should be explicitly designed to assist in developing an "Arctic Region 2000 Strategy" We recommend further, that such a strategy include provision for support for, and communication and exchange of, scientific information and traditional knowledge in addressing regional and transboundary issues. While the CWG recognizes the need for an organizational centre of circumpolar affairs, care in establishing additional administrative mechanisms such as "consultative mechanisms" and "working groups" is recommended. A proliferation of bureaucracy does not always produce more effective policy making and implementation.
Recommendation 3
The Committee recommends that a Division for Circumpolar Affairs be established within the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade to support the work of the office of the Circumpolar Ambassador in spearheading and coordinating the Government's role. In addition to managing the external dimensions of circumpolar relations, the Office of the Circumpolar Ambassador should also be enabled to increase outreach activities within Canada to ensure that all interested constituencies are kept abreast of circumpolar developments and are provided with opportunities to contribute to international Arctic policy processes. To this end, existing resources within the Government should be reallocated and consolidated, and increased as necessary Northern governments, organizations and research institutes should be consulted first about the best ways to improve information networks and communications with the Ottawa office.
While the intentions behind this recommendation are laudable, there was only conditional support in the CWG for the proposal for a Division of Circumpolar Affairs within the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade. Some preferred a new institution with direct representation, informing an energetic Interdepartmental Committee on Circumpolar Affairs. Still others commented that any mechanism established to spearhead and coordinate government activity should be sure that outreach includes the scientific community, that responsibilities are truly bi-polar, and that information and communication networks include scientific information.
Recommendation 4
The Committee recommends that the Office of the Circumpolar Ambassador consult with northern governments and aboriginal organizations on cost-effective means to link Arctic communities with Canada's activity at the level of the Arctic Council. In addition to and independently from the office of the Secretariat serving Nunavut through Iqaluit, other permanent liaison offices could be established in the Yukon, NWT, and Nunavik in northern Quebec with continuing responsibility for channelling regular input from all of Canada's Arctic regions into the Ottawa-based structures. Consideration should also be given to having the Council's first ministerial conference in 1998 held in a Canadian Arctic community.
The CWG remains guarded about the value added by regional offices of the Office of the Circumpolar Ambassador. Layered bureaucracy is seldom seen to provide an effective relay function. More often it impedes such exchanges.
Recommendation 5
The Committee recommends that Canada, as chair of the Arctic Council Secretariat, collaborate closely with Council partners to ensure that Canadian ideas to consolidate the Council are tested multilaterally as well as domestically, and are therefore capable of attracting broad circumpolar support beyond the period of Canada's initial chairmanship.
Recommendation 6
The Committee recommends that Canada work closely with Arctic Council counterparts to ensure that the Council's formal mandate is carried out so as to integrate environmental protection with sustainable human development goals, without thereby jeopardizing existing AEPS activities. Canada should also interpret the mandate sufficiently broadly that any important issue affecting Arctic quality of life can be brought on to its agenda, even if this entails a lengthy process of consensus-building. In particular, matters affecting human security and prospects for peaceful cooperation within the circumpolar region should not be excluded from consideration over the longer term.
Recommendation 7
The Committee recommends that, within Canada, the Office of the Circumpolar Ambassador should lead in identifying concrete applications of the Arctic Council's sustainable development mandate, in order to advance Canadian Arctic interests. Furthermore, staff of this office and of the Arctic Council Secretariat should make it a priority to meet with residents of small northern communities to explore how the Council's mandate might be implemented most effectively to respond to their concerns.
The CWG supports these recommendations with the proviso that science and traditional knowledge components are included. Particular attention should be given to applied natural and social sciences in support of sustainable development.
Recommendation 8
The Committee recommends that the Government work to achieve inclusion, at the earliest possible date, of additional representation for Canadian aboriginal peoples' organizations based in the North, and for all northern residents through their regional governments (including that of Nunavik in Quebec) within the Arctic Council's formal structures. Interested aboriginal organizations that do not meet the current criteria for becoming permanent participants should in any event be granted early observer status. At a minimum, these groups and the subnational Arctic-region governments should be assured of some representation, in an official advisory capacity, in the development of Canada's positions on all Arctic Council matters.
The CWG believes it is essential that Aboriginal participation in the Arctic council be expanded. The discussion above, about regional and sub-regional governments and related organizations, and the "upward guidance" they provide, underpins our view about their participation. The CWG urges Canada to show determined leadership on this issue, in view of the fact that the Canadian treaty making experience is being emulated in various ways across the circumpolar Arctic.
Recommendation 9
The Committee recommends that the Northern Forum, and the Standing Committee of Parliamentarians of the Arctic Region, (which should include a representative from the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade), be granted permanent observer status in the Arctic Council. As such, they should have the right to intervene in its deliberations on matters of special interest with the agreement of the Council's members and permanent participants. In addition, NGOs that have developed particular expertise in working on Arctic issues should be granted a consultative observer status with the Council.
The views of the CWG on this recommendation are mixed. While there is support for regional and sub-regional representation on Arctic Council, the presence of the Standing Committee of Parliamentarians of the Arctic Region as "permanent observers" it is thought would undermine the special position of Aboriginal representatives as permanent observers. If Aboriginal organizations are not to be accorded full member status then they should be the only permanent observers. Furthermore, the CWG questioned having elected officials as members of Arctic Council since their first commitment is to their respective Parliaments, not to the Council. They should, of course, be invited to Council meetings on an "as appropriate" basis.
Recommendation 12
The Committee recommends that the Government use the proposed conference on Arctic sustainable development to further the integration of environmental and economic development objectives within the Arctic Council's mandate. Canadian officials should also work closely with northern constituencies to identify priority activities related to sustainable community economic development, and especially to create opportunities for a growing aboriginal population, where international action is required (e.g. dealing with trade barriers, improving transnational communications and transport links). During the remaining period of Canada's chairmanship and beyond, Canadian energies should be focussed on encouraging the Arctic Council to deal with such issues, which are of greatest practical concern to our northern citizens.
As noted above, the CWG supports efforts to use the Whitehorse conference on sustainable development to further the development of Canada's circumpolar policies. In doing so particular attention should be given to the need for well developed programs of life and social sciences.
Recommendation 14
The Committee recommends that the Government reaffirm its claim to sovereignty over the waters of the Canadian Arctic archipelago. In view of the financial and technical difficulties associated with the Arctic Sub-surface Surveillance System, the Committee recommends that the Government review the need for such a system, and explore alternative technical and diplomatic mechanisms for advancing Canada's sovereignty position.
While the CWG favours initiatives that exercise sovereignty over the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, discussion was divided on the need for sub-surface surveillance systems and alternative technical and diplomatic means to affirm sovereignty.
Recommendation 17
The Committee recommends that Canada continue to cooperate with the Russian Federation and the other Arctic states to address the serious nuclear problems in northern Russia. Despite financial constraints, Canada should also extend its cooperation to help address nuclear issues related to the Russian Northern Fleet (see Table 1, page 98).
The CWG endorses the recommendation to deal effectively with "serious nuclear problems in northern Russia. It is important however, that the recommendation be made more specific and focus on:
• de-commissioning nuclear powered submarines;
• improving or dismantling nuclear powered electrical generating stations;
• upgrading management and disposal of nuclear wastes of all kinds both on land and in the Arctic Ocean;
• developing and implementing strategies for clean-up and remediation.
Recommendation 18
The Committee recommends that the Government of Canada, as the first chair of the Arctic Council, restate its commitment to the continuation and strengthening of the environmental protection work of the AEPS under the Arctic Council. In addition, while the specific mechanisms may change, Canada should stress that the Tromso Ministerial should adopt a significant plan for each of the AEPS working groups, to ensure that their work continues. Given the importance of the six years of work carried out by the AEPS, the procedural and other recommendations of the AEPS self-assessment currently being undertaken by Norway should be adopted for use by the Arctic Council.
The CWG believes it is important to strengthen Canada's commitment to the AEPS and its inclusion as part of the agenda of the Arctic Council. There are serious doubts, however, that a Canadian contribution to the strengthening of AEPS is achievable given the fragmentation and lack of coordination of northern environmental science in Canada. The AEPS will be only as healthy as the national programs that support it. The CWG believes that the AEPS could lose ground under a hesitant, or faltering, Arctic Council. It will be important for the Council to assert itself strongly on behalf of Arctic science and scientists, and in particular, the AEPS.
Recommendation 19
The Committee recommends that the Government initiate a systematic review of existing global environmental agreements to see which contain provisions authorizing special supplements for dealing with the needs of individual regions and determine which of these are particularly relevant to the Arctic. Canada should also move quickly to ratify the Law of the Sea Convention, and, as recommended by the AEPS Ministers at Inuvik, the Government should encourage all Arctic states to ratify international agreements relevant to the Arctic.
The CWG supported this recommendation, but added that experienced Canadian university researchers should be involved in such a review. Interdisciplinary teams made up of legal experts along with social and natural scientists should be commissioned to carry out these reviews.
Recommendation 20
The Government should increase efforts to develop common standards for Environmental Impact Assessment in the Arctic, and should ensure that the draft guidelines prepared through the AEPS are adopted for this purpose by the final AEPS Ministerial in Tromso.
While the CWG supports the idea of shared or common standards for environmental impact assessment (EIA) across the circumpolar Arctic. it will be important to emphasize the need to require scientific information in the review process, and that such information be subjected to peer review during the review. In addition, EIAs must include traditional knowledge, documented by best practices, and in ways acceptable to the knowledge holders. The CWG is also concerned that "common standards" not be interpreted as a "least common denominator" approach to EIA where rigour, comprehensiveness, and fairness are compromised.
Recommendation 21
The Committee recommends that the Government renew its efforts, in cooperation with the other Arctic states, to work toward stronger international action on climate change. Given the importance of this issue to the Arctic and the need for an Arctic perspective, the Government should also appoint the Office of the Circumpolar Ambassador as a co-chair of the non-government Stakeholders Advisory Group, to be backed up by appropriate environmental expertise within the Circumpolar Affairs Division recommended in Chapter Two.
The CWG believes this recommendation is unacceptably weak and will do little to either encourage good science or the adoption of meaningful emission standards and a program of national action. A strong commitment to national emission reduction targets to which northern interests have has genuine input is needed now.
Recommendation 22
The Committee recommends that, in cooperation with other Arctic Council states and aboriginal permanent participants, Canada redouble efforts to conclude LRTAP protocols on POPs and heavy metals and a legally binding protocol on POPs. In the meantime, the Committee recommends that Canada and the other Arctic states continue work to identify those states that are the major sources of pollutants in the Arctic, and to encourage and assist them to phase out the contaminant chemicals of greatest concern.
The CWG agrees with the need to conclude effective international protocols on POPs and heavy metals. The group also argues that it is essential to place the broader issue of Arctic contaminants in a public health context, not just an economic/trading perspective. The call for Canadian efforts to "encourage" other states to phase out their use of harmful chemicals is thought to be weak. The CWG would prefer that the Standing Committee have identified examples of concrete actions that Canada might pursue in its efforts to support reductions in chemical use elsewhere in the world. The recommendation as worded is unclear with respect to sources within and outside the Arctic. The CWG believes that efforts are needed to deal with contaminants wherever their place of origin.
Recommendation 23
The Committee supports the recommendation of the Canadian Polar Commission that the Government broaden the replacement for the Northern Contaminants Program so as to focus more clearly on the links between contaminants and human health and to provide for more effective communication of research results.
The discussion touched on the role of scientists in the communication process. While there is now a better flow of information from scientists to organizations and residents in regional and community settings, there is clearly room for improvement. In particular, more effort is needed to design communication strategies and effective messages that are culturally appropriate and enhance understanding at the community level. People there want relevant and timely information. The CWG supports many Northerners in their view that Arctic contaminants is a public health issue. As well, there is a need to improve communication between scientists and policy makers at the regional level as well as nationally. Northerners also believe they can learn from each other and want more opportunities to share experiences and communications materials on contaminants and public health. The CWG believes there should be more horizontal exchange of ideas and information across both the Canadian and circumpolar North.
Recommendation 24
In order to better protect northern species and habitats, and build on Canadian leadership in the integration of indigenous and non-indigenous knowledge, the Committee recommends that the Government accept and implement fully the recommendations of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples concerning Environmental Stewardship in the North.
The CWG does not agree that indigenous and non-indigenous knowledge should be "integrated". These are two distinct systems of knowledge and ways of knowing. While one might say they could be "linked", to suggest they can be integrated is to miss critical characteristics of each. They are complementary to each other, and taken together broaden and deepen our understanding of certain phenomena. It is essential that both indigenous and scientific knowledge be used to inform decision making processes. Though Canada's leadership on this issue is acknowledged, even greater effort is needed to realize more fully the benefits of both systems. The CWG supports the call for full implementation of the recommendations of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples on environmental stewardship. As for research, the CWG believes that future programs should provide more emphasis on the public health and communications perspectives.
Recommendation 25
The Committee recommends that the Government of Canada work closely with northern Canadians and its Arctic Council partners to build consensus on a circumpolar framework for sustainable economic development, incorporating such principles and objectives as:
_ preservation of the viability and cultural integrity of indigenous economies;
_ diversification of income- and revenue-producing activities that do not harm the environment;
_ participation of local peoples in development and resource utilization decisions;
_ maximum retention of benefits from economic growth at the community level;
_ and application of sustainability criteria to all development activities as a condition for Government approval and/or financial support.
Canada should take the lead by integrating these into its own international Arctic-region strategy recommended in Chapter Two. The conference on sustainable development proposed by Canada should lay out a process for negotiating this agreed framework multilaterally, as a prelude to considering the priority programs or project activities that should be undertaken on a circumpolar basis with the aim of approving a substantive joint economic initiative at the Council's first ministerial conference in 1998.
Recommendation 26
The Committee recommends that, within the framework of international sustainable development principles applied to the Arctic, Canada should support the sharing of learning about best practices in the circumpolar countries. This should contribute to the implementation of rigorous sustainability assessments prior to any approval of major resource and
capital-intensive projects and, in particular, ensure that in all phases of development the rights to participate in decision-making processes, and the priorities of the affected indigenous communities, are fully respected.
The Committee recommends that Canada accord an early high priority in circumpolar cooperation to providing an enabling environment for sustainable community-based economic development, by exploring practical ways to implement established sustainability principles, and giving particular attention to the following:
_ coordinating federal Government efforts, in close cooperation with northern development initiatives by provincial, territorial and local governments;
_ supporting the sustainable utilization of non-renewable resources, especially by indigenous peoples;
_ promoting cultural and other cottage industries;
_ encouraging ecotourism development;
_ increasing vocational training and business skills development;
_ improving access to micro-credit resources.
These three recommendations, along with Rec. No. 24 are seen as the heart of sustainable development. They establish key principles and offer generic suggestions about actions to achieve the goals of sustainable development. However, the CWG would add to this the requirement for genuine and sustained participation by regional and sub-regional organizations in the North to breathe life into the "upward guidance" dimension of sustainability.
Regarding Rec. No. 26, and the call to "support the sharing of learning about best practices..", the CWG recommends that "best practices" be explicitly underpinned by the best scientific and technical information, and traditional knowledge, and that clear objectives of the practices are stated.
Support of "sustainable community-based economic development" initiatives should be founded on a sound understanding of the resources in question, financial and economic factors, infrastructure and technology, and marketing - all in both the short and longer term.
Recommendation 30
The Committee recommends further that the proposed Circumpolar Affairs Division be given responsibility for encouraging and facilitating Canadian, especially Arctic-based, activities in circumpolar transportation, communications and technological development. A high priority should be accorded to those areas of Canadian expertise and potential strength that are environmentally protective as well as commercially sound. The Government should strive to ensure that in all cases Canadian initiatives in Arctic-region development adhere fully to applied sustainability principles, thereby promoting circumpolar progress in this regard. To this end, the Canadian government and the Arctic Council should undertake a rigorous assessment of the risks inherent in opening northern sea lanes, in particular to tankers.
The CWG supports greater Canadian involvement in Arctic transportation, communications and technology research and development, but, linked to principles of sustainability. Such initiatives must be founded on scientific research, and as noted previously, this requires greater policy, financial, and logistics support from both private and public sectors. Given the CWG's recommendation to not establish a "Circumpolar Affairs Division", responsibility for the activities outlined in Rec. No. 30 should be assigned to a multi-department mechanism.
Recommendation 31
The Committee recommends that the Government take steps to deepen the democratic involvement of representatives from all of Canada's northern indigenous peoples in the elaboration of policies on circumpolar sustainable development. To that end, we recommend that an aboriginal contact group be established to provide regular advice to the Ambassador for Circumpolar Affairs on issues pertaining to her mandate and that of the proposed Circumpolar Affairs Division in the Department of Foreign Affairs. To promote indigenous peoples' participation in the development of international sustainable development policies for the Arctic, the Government should support expanded international linkages through existing Canadian-based aboriginal organizations, and should also pledge
stable, long-term material support for the indigenous Peoples' Secretariat within the Arctic Council.
The CWG believes that deepening the "democratic involvement of representatives from all of Canada's northern indigenous peoples in the elaboration of policies on circumpolar sustainable development" is vital to establishing sustainability in all its dimensions. The group is not convinced, however, that mechanisms such as a "contact group" to advise the Ambassador are the key to this goal. Rather, the CWG takes the view that democratizing the "upward guidance" functions of regional and sub-regional Aboriginal organizations is required as a first step, after which appropriate mechanisms for advice, collaboration, cooperation, and communications will become apparent.
Recommendation 35
The Committee recommends that the Government commit to maintain, and seek to increase, support for basic Arctic science and research as an
important element of circumpolar cooperation. Given the changing realities in the Arctic, such research must be based on the needs of Arctic communities and include a significant traditional knowledge component. These principles should be stressed in the work on sustainable development and other issues carried out under the auspices of the Arctic Council.
The CWG strongly supports this recommendation, and would encourage that in addition to "basic Arctic science" there be adequate support of applied natural, social, and life science research. There is a dearth of economic, political, and legal research on sustainability and circumpolar issues. To properly inform circumpolar decision making it is essential that all sciences contribute to the store of knowledge.
Recommendation 36
The Committee, recognizing the continuing need for stronger representation of Arctic research interests, recommends that the Government reevaluate the future of the Canadian Polar Commission in light of the criticisms that have been made, and taking into account the role of the Circumpolar Ambassador and the organizational changes proposed in this Report. If the Commission is to continue, the Committee recommends that the Government adopt a systematic and transparent process for appointing its Commissioners that includes soliciting suggestions from northern groups, academic organizations such as the Association of Canadian Universities for Northern Studies (ACUNS), and government departments involved in northern research.
All members of the CWG were of the view that the Canadian Polar Commission (CPC) has not lived up to expectations and its contribution to polar science and public policy has been limited. Views about the future of the CPC were more mixed. Some believe it should be "decommissioned" and its resources re-focused in ways that more explicitly reflect northerners' needs and priorities.
Others believe that the Commission's original mandate (See, Canada and the Circumpolar World, 1997, p.186) is as valid today as at its inception in 1991. What is needed, they believe, is an organization at arms length from government Arctic science operations and direct funding of Arctic science, that has as its purpose, "to promote the development and dissemination of knowledge in respect of the polar regions ." Profound changes in the Arctic require a national body to be the voice for Arctic science. The shortcomings of the Commission are the result of many factors, some of which are;
• a view of federal governments officials that the CPC is an instrument of federal policy;
• the cutting off of communications and involvement of the broad science community that was responsible for the very being of the Commission; and
• a lack of connection with northern indigenous, business and educational interest and expertise.
The present shortcomings of the CPC could be overcome by a transparent process for appointing commissioners and a vigourous campaign to contact northern and scientific constituencies indicating a willingness to be at their service while taking into account national and international needs and goals.
Recommendation 37
Given the substantial reductions to the budget for the Polar Continental Shelf Project, the Committee recommends that the Government provide the Project with sufficient funding to carry out its mandate effectively. The Project must also ensure that it is providing support to researchers in all regions of Canada, and should enter into new and creative partnership arrangements where possible.
The CWG supports the recommendation that the Polar Continental Shelf Project (PCSP) be adequately funded to ensure that it can accomplish its mandate. While the PCSP has been successful in diversifying its sources of operational funding, it still needs proper core support to enable it to perform is vital role in Canada's Arctic science efforts. The PCSP is to be applauded for its success in facilitating exchange and cooperation with other countries in bi-polar research. Some believe that the present home of the PCSP in NRCan is not entirely appropriate and consideration should be given to making it a quasi-independent body.
Recommendation 38
The Committee recommends that the Government make the rejuvenation of the IASC International Science Initiative in the Russian Arctic a priority, and support and complement this where possible through the work of the Arctic Council.
The CWG considers this recommendation to be outdated and inappropriate now. Instead the CWG recommends;
that the Government confirm Canada's full participation in IASC along with support for a suitably senior Canadian scientist on the IASC Council. Support should be given to develop the infrastructure within the Canadian science community so that the Canadian member of the IASC can speak for, or carry forward, the concerns of all Canadian Arctic scientists in northern organizations, governments, academe, and industry to IASC.
Recommendation 39
The Committee recommends that the Government increase funding for the Northern Scientific Training Program. The Committee also recommends that the Government urge the Arctic states through the Arctic Council to
undertake an inventory of educational approaches in the region, and establish a program similar to that of the European Union for fostering academic cooperation in the circumpolar North.
The CWG supports the recommendations for increased funding to the Northern Scientific Training Program. This program has been vital to the development of generation after generation of northern scientists - all at little cost to government. To ensure that the next generation of scientists is in place to carry out the scientific challenges of the circumpolar Arctic it is essential that current support levels be upgraded.
Recommendation 40
The Committee recommends that the Government continue its support for new information technologies in the Canadian North, and ensure that the Arctic Council pursues the use of such technologies to promote cultural understanding and exchange in a circumpolar context. The Government should also ensure stable funding for such important cultural services as the Inuit Broadcasting Corporation, and seek to assist it and other services in selling their programming in Arctic and other markets.
Information technologies are a key part of northern life and it will be essential to provide continuing support for the application of new information technologies in all spheres of Arctic life. The CWG supports this recommendation and the central role that northern organizations must play in the use and adaptation of such technologies if they are to be of service to all northerners.
Recommendation 41
The Committee recommends that the Canadian Government continue its current efforts to protect the calving grounds of the Porcupine Caribou herd, particularly by assisting Canadian and Alaskan aboriginals to educate U.S. opinion on the issue. The Government should also take the necessary steps to have the entire area jointly designated as a World Heritage Site under the UNESCO World Heritage Convention, if such an approach is supported in consultations with indigenous groups.
The CWG supports the recommendation and urges the Government of Canada to continue in its efforts to protect the calving grounds of the Porcupine caribou herd. While members of the group endorse the call for habitat protection in the northern Yukon and Alaska, there were varying opinions on what that protection might be. By extension, the CWG would urge the Government of Canada to work with all regional and sub-regional organizations across Canada with an interest in the future of all caribou herds to ensure that human activity in caribou habitats everywhere is managed within the principles of sustainability.
Recommendation 43
The Committee recommends that the Government propose to the United States the establishment of a mechanism to ensure regular meetings of officials to discuss Arctic issues, including, but not restricted to, those that are bilateral. These meetings should be undertaken on the Canadian side through the proposed Circumpolar Affairs Division and the Office of the Ambassador for Circumpolar Affairs.
While members of the CWG support the call for regular Canada - United States and Yukon - Alaska meetings on bilateral and circumpolar issues, there was no clear sense of what mechanism (s) would be appropriate, given the preference of the group to not have a Division of Circumpolar Affairs..
Recommendation 44
The Committee recommends that Canada cooperate closely with Norway on issues of sustainable utilization of renewable Arctic marine resources. Specifically, the Government should move to become a full member of the North Atlantic Marine Mammal Commission, if such a move is supported in formal consultations with northern indigenous groups.
The CWG is of the view that a significant investment in oceanographic and marine biological research is needed if we are to be in a position to manage the resources of the oceans with the confidence that we are well informed. As well, the CWG believes Canada should have full membership in international bodies that concern themselves with the future of marine ecosystems and resources, including the North Atlantic Marine Mammal Commission and the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources.
Recommendation 48
The committee recommends that the shared circumpolar aims of preserving the Arctic environment and supporting sustainable human development for northern indigenous communities e made on e of the principal objectives of Canada-Russia technical cooperation as carried out through CIDA's Country Programming Strategy, not added only as a "special consideration". Within such a bilateral assistance context, particular attention should be paid to the following:
_ setting clear, realistic, results-oriented goals that focus on the areas in which comparative Canadian strengths (e.g. cold-climate research and applied environmental technologies, Aboriginal institution-building) have been identified;
_ putting in place feedback/evaluation mechanisms whereby parliament will be able to assess the degree to which targets are being met and learning improvements are taking place;
_ involving Canadian Aboriginal and non-governmental organizations, territorial and provincial governments, private firms, and knowledge institutions which have developed expertise on, or have practical working experience of, the Russian Arctic in the ongoing design of the technical cooperation program, as well as in the delivery of its specific project components;
_ ensuring that Canadian partner organizations are prepared to undertake a long term commitment and that the Russian partner organizations have the credibility to be able to sustain the cooperation activity in question;
_ taking into account what has been learned in other countries about assistance activities in the Russian Arctic (e.g. Nordic and Alaskan experience and that of the Cambridge University Scott Polar Research Institute);
_ utilizing bilateral contributions to the small enterprise financing and investment facilities developed for Russia through the European Bank for reconstruction and Development.
The CWG agrees with the Standing Committee that Canada-Russia cooperation is essential if we are to tackle some of the Arctic's most significant environmental problems and establish initiatives to promote and protect sustainable development. This should be a major priority for an Arctic Region 2000 Strategy" (Rec. No. 2)
Recommendation 49
The Committee recommends that the Government take advantage of the period of Canada's current chairmanship of the Arctic Council to work on the unfinished elements in building a stronger multilateral system for promoting circumpolar cooperation. In particular priority attention should be given to the following:
_ pursuing global connections to Arctic concerns through other international forums, notably the United Nations, and around international economic as well as environmental and indigenous rights issues;
_ utilizing whatever intergovernmental channels-notably the Council of the Barents Euro-Arctic Region and the Northern Forum-as well non-governmental (especially aboriginal) and inter-parliamentary channels that are available, with the deliberate purpose of fostering bridge-building and common understandings among Nordic, Russian and North American perspectives;
_ undertaking an in-depth study of the ramifications of regional integration regimes in Europe and North America (i.e. EU and NAFTA regulations and processes) for the implementation of the Arctic Council's sustainable development mandate;
_ providing the Office of the Circumpolar Ambassador and the proposed Circumpolar Affairs Division within the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade with sufficient resources to coordinate the execution of the above tasks.
The CWG shares the view of the Standing Committee that our circumpolar relations must be both broadened and deepened. We reiterate that east-west linkages, particularly among regional and sub-regional organizations will be crucial to the establishment of effective regimes that can promote and carry out sustainable development activities. Canada's involvement in various Antarctic bodies provides an important bi-polar perspective from which important lessons can be learned for our circumpolar Arctic responsibilities.
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