Arctic Shipping Infrastructure & Regulation a Must for Inuit

A recent Arctic shipping conference in Montreal was informed by shipping operators that

Commercial shipping in Canada’s North remains a risky business because of serious shortfalls in infrastructure and navigational support from government ....

and that

With more ships travelling in northern waters, it’s just a matter of time until a serious accident causing either loss of life or damage to the environment occurs ....

These are disturbing statements but, unfortunately, they are things that Inuit are already very aware of as commercial shipping plays a critical role in our lives. Without it, the cost of staple foods, fuel, and construction materials for our community infrastructure and houses would be far beyond what people could afford.

Of great concern is commercial traffic through the Northwest Passage. As climate change makes the passage more and more navigable, and given that there are those in the international community who do not recognize Canada’s claim to the passage, the potential for a serious accident grows greater on a regular basis.

Imagine the environmental and community consequences of an oil spill like the Exxon Valdez in the Northwest Passage. According to one expert only 10% of Arctic waters have been properly charted making this is a very real possibility should oil tankers begin using the passage.

This is why appropriate infrastructure and regulation, developed in consultation with the Inuit who live alongside and depend upon the waters of our homeland, is so important and must be immediately addressed.

Technorati Tags: Northwest Passage oil spill Inuit