Need for an Air Policing Capability over the Northwest Passage

Human movement in Canada's Arcticis expected to increase as more and more ice is lost from Canada's Arctic Ocean. A sovereignty problem for Canada arises when organizations from outside Canada pursue resource exploitation, shipping interests or other activities, illegal or not, contrary to Canada's stated ownership of the Arctic Archipelago, includingtheNorthwest Passage. To blunt challengesto, andforestall encroachments on, Canadian sovereignty of the Northwest Passage and therest ofits Arctic, a well-honed and robust surveillance and policing capability must beresident and ready. Muchmilitary equipment is bound to be involved in increasing Canada's arctic sovereignty footprint. Any foreseeable militaryforce violating Canadian sovereignty (intentionally or otherwise) is unlikely to be aconventional enemy of Canada. Whether air policing encounters terrorist activity, criminal actions or malfeasant commercial enterprises, the needtoact inCanada's defense willremain.ty and sovereignty protection while dealing with any calamities. The direct and indirect impacts on human health will also require study in support of offsetting the potential effects.