InfoMore infoBriefly...
(keep in mind I go to a Canadian university and have heard about this issue from a largely Canadian perspective which is likely to be biased about this issue).-This is about the area/passage of the arctic which lies closest to Canada
-The northwest passage was originally British territory but was given to Canada. At the time it was believed to be useless territory
-Global warming has caused the ice bergs to melt. In the near future, the northwest passage will be the fastest route between northern Eurasia and North America, opening up endless trade and tourist possibilities
-Canada maintains its sovereignty over the Northwest Passage, however, other countries (such as the U.S. and Russia) claim that it is international territory and no longer (and never did) belong to Canada.
-Most likely it will become international territory
-The U.S. has continually sent naval vessels through the Northwest Passage, causing anger from Canadian Media/Citizens when they argued that they did not need to seek permission from the Canadian Coast Guard.
Some International Strait Arguments-Britain never had the right to give Canada the northwest passage in the first place
-One cannot claim sovereignty over icy areas as they're essentially water
-Without military presence Canada cannot claim sovereignty.
-The Canadian military is unable to protect the arctic waters anyway, so regardless of whether they maintain their sovereignty or not, international dangers in the area will remain the same.
-With Canadian sovereignty in place, the U.S. would be in less of a position to protect themselves against Russia.
Some Canadian Arguments-The northwest passage indisputably belonged to Canada until it became of use to other countries, after which their minds were suddenly changed.
-At its narrowest point, the passage is less than twelve nautical miles wide, making at least that portion of it indisputably Canadian.
-Any oil spills or accidents would have to be cleaned by Canadian services
-The native people who live in the arctic are Canadian, and any damages made to their home can't be protected by the Canadian government if they don't maintain their sovereignty.
-If it's made an international strait, Canada will not be able to maintain the cleanliness and quality of its arctic water, envirionment, or wildlife.
-Canada did make an effort to place better military prescence in the arctic, but their appeal for subs was vetoed by the United States.
-The northwest passage can open up increased smuggling, piracy, and terrorist activity which Canada will have a harder time protecting itself against if they cannot maintain their sovereignty and prescence in the arctic.
I'm aware of the lop-sidedness of the arguments presented, but like I said I go to a Canadian university and read largely Canadian articles, which is also why I'm opening this up to debate to see what everyone's opinions are on the subject, and other arguments (if you have them).
Arctic MapThe Northwest Passage