12 July, 2007
Canadian naval build-up in Arctic
Canada looks forward to use the Northwest Passage when climate gets warmer
Canada is gearing up its naval fleet to warmer climate in the future, reports Reuter. Global warming has become a strategic factor for the nation, because less ice in the Northwest Passage would make it more attractive for shipping. Canada's longstanding claim over the Arctic Northwest Passage, that links the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, is disputed by countries that consider much of the region to be international waters.
“Either we use it or we lose it. Make no mistake about it, this national government intends to use it,” Canadian prime minister Stephen Harper said at a ceremony in Esquimalt, British Columbia, home port to Canada's Pacific navy fleet.
The prime minister also said that the Government will sign up for six to eight patrol ships at a cost of C$3.1 billion. The ships will be built in Canada and are expected to become operational in 2013 or 2014.
Harper said the Government also intends to build a deep water port in the Arctic, but is not yet ready to say where it will be built and when.
“Either we use it or we lose it. Make no mistake about it, this national government intends to use it,” Canadian prime minister Stephen Harper said at a ceremony in Esquimalt, British Columbia, home port to Canada's Pacific navy fleet.
The prime minister also said that the Government will sign up for six to eight patrol ships at a cost of C$3.1 billion. The ships will be built in Canada and are expected to become operational in 2013 or 2014.
Harper said the Government also intends to build a deep water port in the Arctic, but is not yet ready to say where it will be built and when.