United States’ coordinator for the Arctic region James DeHart is heading to the Arctic360 conference. He said that cooperation in the Arctic is still possible even as Russia, an Arctic neighbour, is acting more hostile. (Photo courtesy of U.S. Department of State)
Despite ousting Russia, Arctic360 conference focuses on co-operation
Event allows governments, Indigenous groups and private sector to discuss sustainable economic development
The U.S. does not want Russia’s invasion of Ukraine to deter co-operation in the Arctic, according to the American diplomat for the region.
James DeHart, the U.S. co-ordinator for the Arctic region, spoke with Nunatsiaq News in a lead-up to his attendance at the Arctic 360 annual conference in Toronto this week.
The third annual conference provides a venue for governments, Indigenous organizations and the private sector to discuss Arctic activity. This year’s theme is “Where Infrastructure Investment Meets Diplomacy.”
But even with the U.S. eager to engage Arctic development, Russia’s attack on Ukraine has crept its way into this year’s discussion. Russia was excluded from participating in this year’s Arctic360 conference in late February in response to the aggression. A session on this year’s agenda will focus on what the war means for Arctic co-operation in Canada’s North. Nunavut Sen. Dennis Patterson and former Conservative foreign affairs minister Peter MacKay were scheduled to lead that part of the agenda on Wednesday.
The Arctic Council has responded as well. The leading international body for Arctic countries to discuss policy has paused all activities within the group as a result of the continuing assault.
DeHart said that the pause is necessary because of Russia’s “egregious violation of international law” in Ukraine.
Russia’s aggressive behaviour is concerning for Arctic nations, because of the country’s lack of transparency on its northern military activity, he said, but the long-term the goal is to have all Arctic countries, including Russia, participating again.
Although this year’s Arctic360 conference occurring in front of an uncertain geopolitical backdrop, DeHart said it’s important for the U.S. to participate because it focuses on sustainable economic development and investment in the region.
What that economic development might look like in Nunavut, whether it’s mining or another venture, will depend on what Nunavummiut want, said DeHart.
“I think those who live in the region know best,” he said, adding any such investment should proceed with climate change goals in mind.
To that end, dozens of speakers are slated to participate in discussions that range from how public-private partnerships can help fund northern infrastructure, to critical minerals in the North, and Arctic innovation.
This year’s keynote speakers are Rob Oliphant, the parliamentary secretary to the federal foreign affairs minister, and Kenneth Høegh, Greenland’s head of representation to Canada and U.S.
The Arctic360 conference runs from March 9 to 11.
It will be airbrushing, the Ukraine is one of the most corrupted states to be found anywhere. There is more to the story than the CBC is letting on. A lot more.
This comment is not allowed at our national broadcast service, the CBC. That is not good.
Because your argument is just you going “WELL WHAT ABOUT THIS? WHAT ABOUT THAT?”
Corruption does not negate helping a fellow human being. If that was the case, the federal government would have stopped giving Nunavut money about a decade ago.
Come on ChesLey, you can’t expect people to take a comment like this seriously unless you provide context, meaning and something like a point, otherwise it feels a bit like a drive by shooting.