1. Climate Change and Future Scenarios in the Arctic A Canadian Perspective Venezia, December 2014

2. Outline of this presentation Setting the Scene Canadian priorities and context Three themes of conference – Climate change – Sustainable development – Indigenous peoples

3. Setting the scene…. Extensive existing legal framework Successful regional organization of Arctic States and indigenous peoples (Arctic Council) – All committed to sustainable development and environmental protection The region is huge and diverse: climate change impacts vary Development is also taking place at different rates Flickr user wheeldog

4. Canada’s Arctic Foreign Policy: Four Pillars Exercising Canadian Sovereignty – Boundaries, continental shelf, Arctic governance Promoting Economic and Social Development – Sustainable development, trade and investment, human dimension Protecting the Arctic Environment – Ecosystem-based management, climate change, environmental protection, science Improving and Devolving Governance – Indigenous peoples, northerners, youth

5. Context that informs Canadian approach and priorities Canada’s North on the cutting edge of our political, economic, social development and environmental protection Nunavut Indigenous peoples make up over 50% of the inhabitants of Canada’s North run oil and gas service companies, airlines and much more Climate change and sustainable development matter to both indigenous peoples and our governments The North is our home © Paul Galipeau

6. Canada’s Chairmanship Priority Initiatives  Addressing Short-Lived Climate Pollutants  Facilitating Adaptation to Climate Change  Promoting Arctic Traditional Ways of Life  Promoting Traditional and Local Knowledge  Promoting Mental Wellness Arctic Economic Council (AEC) Arctic Marine Oil Pollution Prevention Arctic Marine Tourism Project (also mandatory Polar Code in IMO)  Migratory Bird Conservation  Enhancing Scientific Cooperation in the Arctic  Strengthening the Arctic Council

7. Arctic Climate Change Not accurate or fair to blame global climate changes on current Arctic development Long-standing priority for Arctic Council 2004 Arctic Climate Impact Assessment 2011 Snow, Water, Ice and Permafrost Assessment All Arctic States have reiterated commitment to… Global, ambitious, inclusive agreement applicable to all Low-carbon economies Working with all to limit increase to below 2 degrees C Climate change has particular implications for northern communities Traditional lifestyles, infrastructure, navigability of waters Recent Arctic Council initiatives Addressing short-lived climate pollutants Facilitating adaptation to climate change © Paul Galipeau © Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC)

8. Development for the People of the North Overarching focus of our Chairmanship – Addresses two themes of this conference: sustainable development and indigenous peoples Puts the human dimension of the Arctic at the centre and the interests of Northerners first – Arctic indigenous peoples contribute to decision-making and lead on important initiatives Arctic Economic Council – foster circumpolar economic development Tourism, Shipping, and Oil & Gas – Comparisons and Forward-looking initiatives

9. Arctic Tourism Growing but still relatively small in Canada Response by Arctic Council/others: Arctic Marine Tourism Project : best practices for cruise ship operators travelling to Arctic communities. Complement s measures by other bodies, such as the International Maritime Organization and the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators.

10. Arctic Shipping Growing but great variability Canada: increased interest in “visiting, experiencing and understanding the region” but still relatively small Northern Sea Route: much greater traffic than Northwest Passage Response by Arctic Council and others Arctic Council Arctic Search and Rescue Agreement 2011 First binding agreement Mandatory Polar Code: IMO adopts in November 2014 for entry into force in 2017

11. Arctic Offshore Oil and Gas Significant potential but…. – Technologically challenging – Respecting indigenous claims – Expensive and facing competition from other sources (e.g., fracking) – Environmentally sensitive Canadian experience – Norman Wells: 1920 – Beaufort Sea: ‘70s and ‘80s – Annual exploration rights calls: Beaufort Sea and Sverdrup Basin Response by Arctic Council: – Oil Spill Preparedness and Response Agreement – 2013 – New Offshore Oil and Gas Guidelines (focus on prevention) – 2014 – Arctic Maritime Oil Pollution Prevention: action plan for 2015 to establish regulatory cooperation Petroleum sector Maritime safety

12. It’s not a race…. Extensive existing international legal and institutional framework Arctic States and peoples are taking leadership, in collaboration with others, to address emerging issues in this huge and diverse part of the world. Flickr user wheeldog

13. Thank you Merci Qujannamiik