Leading by example: Canada and its Arctic stewardship role

Abstract

The notion that Canada is the steward of the fragile Arctic environment is a part of the fabric of the Canadian narrative about the country's relationship with the Arctic region. In light of political, legal and environmental changes impacting Arctic politics, this paper argues that it is important to examine the circumstances which led to the creation and success of Canada's stewardship role and its implications for Canadian and international shipping in the Arctic region before any changes are made to the governance of the region through unilateral legislation changes or new international agreements. This paper explores the origins of Canada's image as the steward of the Arctic environment which started with the 1970 Arctic Waters Pollution Prevention Act legislation and addresses the central research questions of how did Canada's role as the steward of the Arctic environment begin and evolve, and how important is the Arctic Waters Pollution Prevention Act for international acceptance of Canada's stewardship role and maritime jurisdiction in the Arctic region?