A northern harbour supporting local harvesters, research vessels and Coast Guard operations; real-time ocean data helping ships navigate ice packed waters; made-in-Canada sensors and autonomous systems extending awareness offshore; and communities connected to the infrastructure, training and technology that make economic opportunity possible. That is what Canada’s Arctic opportunity in ocean looks like in practice.
Accounting for more than 70 percent of our coastline, Canada’s Arctic is remote and often difficult to access due to harsh conditions. It is also the operating environment where people, goods, vessels, information, and opportunity move. While we know part of the long-term opportunity for growth in the North is about security, no question, it is also about the necessary infrastructure and systems that allow us to better understand, access and operate in Arctic waters. This includes ports and marine infrastructure, reliable communications and energy, ocean observation and data, autonomous systems, safe navigation, search and rescue, food security and a skilled Northern workforce.
This is the foundation of the OSC’s recently published Arctic Insights Report. Developed with a 28-member Arctic Innovation Steering Committee and informed by Indigenous organizations, Northern communities, industry, researchers and governments, the report identifies interconnected opportunities across ports and marine infrastructure, Arctic observation and data, workforce development, energy and telecommunications, fisheries, marine tourism and dual-use capabilities. Together, these recommendations point to the importance of an ecosystem-based approach for lasting benefit.
A port can support community resupply, fisheries, tourism, emergency response and security. Ocean observation can improve scientific understanding while strengthening safe navigation and maritime awareness. Reliable telecommunications support communities and businesses while enabling secure digital systems. Now representing more than half of our project portfolio, these kinds of dual use solutions and investments deliver benefits across communities, industry and support of national security.
We are also seeing the potential of major investments to create broader opportunities for Canadian innovation. The selection of TKMS as Canada’s preferred supplier for the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project highlights the importance of building strong industrial and technology relationships around major national capabilities. As Canada’s national ocean cluster, we have a 1000-member network of companies, researchers, communities, and Indigenous partners and project portfolio to help do that.
It is not about technology and infrastructure alone. Security is built through trusted relationships, shared purpose and recognition of Indigenous sovereignty and self-determination. It is strengthened through partnerships among Indigenous organizations, governments, industry and researchers; through collaboration between technology developers and those who live, work and steward Arctic waters; and through cooperation between Canada and its allies.
Realizing the long-term growth opportunities in the Arctic depends on our ability to understand it, operate in it and build trusted partnerships and work together. And, recognizing that the ocean connects it all.
By: Nancy Andrews, Chief Engagement and Communications Officer, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster