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Canada steps up fight for the Arctic

TENILLE BONOGUORE AND ALEXANDER PANETTA

Globe and Mail Update and Canadian Press

Latest comment posted at 12:39 PM EDT 10/08/07

Two new military outposts will show world that Canada is serious about owning the Arctic, Prime Minister says ...Read the full article

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  1. David Hill from Canada writes: Most excellent. It's very refreshing to actually have a Prime Minister who is out protecting Canadian interests in the world, instead of his own. This is a ositive, progressive and smart sortie. Well done Mr. Harper.
  2. globefan EH from Canada writes: Has anyone cleaned up the environmental mess in Nanisivit before we embark on further adventures?

    The Arctic should be off limits to everyone if Breakwater's environmental practices foretell of how it will be in the future.
  3. Jim Proventia from SP, Brazil writes: This is great, protecting whats yours. Good for you Canada! While your at it tell the US to kiss off too, because they'll be even more sneaky about it.
  4. Ian Gunn from Minneapolis, United States writes: This is good news. I particularly like what I read about the Rangers. Currently about 500 individuals. There's a HUGE waiting list for those who wish to join. Increasing this to 1400 is a great idea. This includes updating their equipment.

    I would encourage those who haven't done so, to google-earth both Resolute and Nanisivik. Both are in high resolution. Don't look for grass... :)
  5. A M from Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada writes: I hope Russia knows that Canadains won't run away when it get cold
  6. L I from Canada writes: Hats off. It's about time we took the notrth a little more seriously.
    LI
  7. Dan Radu from Calgary, Canada writes: Excellent. I have no problem with this move by Harper. If we're going to pour some money into our military then at least make sure it is to protect our homeland.
  8. Bill G from Canada writes: Excellent. Another promise kept.
  9. Jim Whitney from Kearney, Canada writes: Let's send Harper to Moscow to plant our flag on Russian soil as a PR stunt to attract attention to how ridiculous the Russian act truly was.
  10. Jeremy kuyle from vancouver, Canada writes: Hopefully Harper comes to his senses and stops this stupid game of comparing willy size with Putin over the Artic before too much more cash gets wasted.
  11. Jasper the Black Lab from Vancouver, Canada writes: I would almost have to say, this is the first smart move by Harper - the first EVER.

    Could he actually be listening to some informed advisors now, instead of just working to invoke some idealogy he developed in a dark secret corner years ago?
  12. The Bull from Canada writes: Russia is such a nice, stable, reasonable and peaceful nation. Can't we just share it with them?
  13. Jonnie BE GOOD from ST Kitts, Canada writes: A good move for Canada and Harper --- lets build icebreakers as well ---- only the Liberals will say why did we not do it sooner ------ pull the troops out of Cypress and send them north where they can be of some service -----
  14. Dave a Conservative from Ottawa, Canada writes: Jeremy - you appear to have a rather simplistic concept as to what is at stake in the north.

    It is not just Russia, but our good ol'ally USA and other nothern Europeans who are competing to lay claim to the north. This is about our national border and our natural resources which until recently couldn't be reached practically. It is not a matter of 'wasting' cash to secure our land claims (which are needed to support our claims at the U.N.) it is also a matter of protecting the northern enviroment and those who would seek to exploit it.

    For several decades our former gov'ts (primarily Libby brand) have gutted our northern frontier capability. The Conservatives promised to stand up for our northern frontier and Harper had fulfilled the promise with this announcement. While the Cons might not be perfect, they have actually sought to fulfill the promises they made 18 months ago... while the ol'Liberano's FAILED to fulfill for 13 years the RED BOOK lies.

    Keep it up Harper.
  15. Brian C from Canada writes: It's not only Russia that wants to make a claim. The US will be there in a flash too if Canada doesn't exert its rightful claim.

    It's so refreshing to see a forward-looking PM taking care of Canada instead of their own interests like JC's golf course and PM's tax-averting shipping company.
  16. Dr Demento from Canada writes: This is a good intiative, however presently Churchill is Canada's only deep sea port on Arctic waters and has a rail link to the south.

    I am disappointed that our government isn't including Churchill in this initiative since it would make the perfect supply centre, and could use some federal support in helping to make it a viable alternative to Vancouver, Thunder Bay or Montreal.

    I suppose Harper would prefer to supply the new outposts from Quebec where his political aspirations lie.
  17. Mr. Shim Shalla Bim from GTA, Canada writes: Not a fan, but good stuff, Mr. Harper. Now if we can still build the icebreakers too...
  18. Chuck - from Winnipeg, Canada writes: Well done to the Canadian government; accepting realities and making meaningful policy and implementing it.

    Next: more money to the Cdn Rangers to expand their force. More money to boost research and development of high-tech Canadian-made tools such as ice breakers, to work in Northern Canada.

    There is a saying: 'possession is nine-tenths of the law;' by simply having a permanent presence it is almost impossible, short of armed conflict, for anyone else to lay claim to these lands. Having troops that are at home training and deploying there is prudent foreign policy and good for patriotism.

    Canada’s north is a huge region of this planet and its environment is very fragile. If there is one country on this planet that will ensure sound environmental stewardship in the Artic, it’s Canada.

    Showing the world that we are serious about laying claim to the Artic is a positive issue that can make all of us feel proud to be Canadian.
  19. Stephen Penney from St. John's, Canada writes: Great. I wonder when they're gonna get around to making a claim to the remainder of the continental shelf off of Newfoundland and Labrador and send foreign overfishers packing.

    Fifteen years after the Moratorium took effect and caused the single biggest layoff in Canadian history the Federal government still hasn't made a motion towards securing the resources of the Nose and Tail of the Grand Banks. Hundreds of millions of dollars to protect a sea passage that technically is not yet open year round while last year they make a symbolic gesture to NL by providing a small plane meant to be the sole air surveillance for an offshore area bigger than the Prairies. What a joke.
  20. Mail Man from Toronto, Canada writes: WHERE IS STEPHANE DION????
  21. Northern Redneck from Canada writes: Awesome move on Harpers part, leadership has finally arrived in Canadian politics , the heck with elections lets all just have Harper for PM for life , a true Canadian , from the True North , Strong and Free
    who looks after our interests and not the big companies profits. Demented one is on his Quebecker kick , sadly its true that the ruling party needs the Quebeckers votes , but some day they will leave for France , and the country can be as one , as it was meant to be , English Canada. Salut !!!!!
  22. Michael Jahonneson from Vancouver, Canada writes: Awesome move, Prime Minister Harper.
  23. CHP My vote from Ontario, Canada writes: Keep it coming Harper! LIne up the troops boys, Russia's looking for a fight!!
  24. ImaCANADIAN ! from Canada writes: So adding it all up, this is in total $584 million over 20 years, or $29.2 million a year. That's how much we're spending every 12-24 days for Afghanistan, so placed in this context, it's really just a token move. Throw in the reduced ice-breaking patrol ships and we're talking $185 million a year over 20 years. That's still just a fraction of the over $450-1000 million a year that's going toward Afghanistan (and may not even include Harper's recent $650 million purchase/lease of tanks for Afghanistan.)

    Harper is still putting Afghanistan ahead of defending our own Arctic sovereignty.
  25. Joel Girard from Calgary, Canada writes: I don't like Harper for many reasons.

    This however, is one reason I do like him. Fortunately I don't subscribe to partisanship like many of my fellow Canadians on this board so I can give both praise and criticism at will without becoming a hypocrite.
  26. Greg Calgary from Canada writes: Great work! Keep it up!
  27. THE LAKEMAN from THE LAKES, Canada writes: That will show them Two GUN Harper. Gee...... maybe there is a little hope for Steve after all. I certainly hope when they upgrade the Rangers they give them white winter uniforms instead of red; it makes for less of a target. Don't be cheap, issue them with Skidoos and some elephant guns. However, besure to keep the ways of the past in their training. Gee....I think we may be getting somewhere.
  28. jack Bauer from Canada writes: Have not heard from the Liberal Party on this one yet???? Are they still alive ???
  29. Sam G from Toronto, Canada writes: Yeah, Arctic is ours. It was ours even before that. What is this 'fight' about? Conquering own territory? Sticking it to the Russians?

    Now that Arctic is ours, what can we do there? And what do we do when we get hungry?

    Have polar bears been informed?
  30. Robes Pierre from Calgary, Canada writes:
    I don't agree with Harpo on much, this issue has my 110% support.
  31. Mark H from Canada writes: Thank you Stephen Harper. To the other political parties: was this so hard to do?
  32. Neil B from The West, Canada writes: Notice how this move is a snowball effect from what he had promised during the 2006 election campaign. During the campaign he promised to assert Canada's arctic sovereignty, well before Russia sent their scientists equipped with the Russian flag to the North Pole just a few weeks ago. Although Harper has fallen short of providing the 3 ice-breakers he promised, he is taking more steps to protect what he, and other Canadians believe, is our territory. Harper and the Arctic is an example of visionary, not reactionary policy, and he should applauded for that.
  33. None of Your business from Waterloo, United States writes: I'm not a Harper fan, but I applaud him for this move.
  34. Steven Koning from Bloomfield, ON, Canada writes: Wait for the voices that will start crying about this money being taken out of the mouths of babes. Wouldn't it be nice for a change if we could have all-party support for this?
  35. Erik Richards from Winnipeg, MB, writes: ImaCANADIAN writes: 'Harper is still putting Afghanistan ahead of defending our own Arctic sovereignty.'

    Um, money gets spent a little differently when there is a war (Afghanistan) versus peace time (the Arctic - for now anyway). I have no problem spending the right amount of money for the job and for the most part I am satisfied that money is not being grossly misspent in either situation.
  36. harry carnie from Northern, B.C., Canada writes: Good!! it is about time....some one LOOKING AFTER OUR COUNTRIES INTERESTS..Harper has given me no choice but to vote for him in the next election..the parties that I once supported have destroyed any credibility they ever had.
  37. Terry M from Houston, United States writes:

    Another good move by Harper, but the North needs more, hopefully more will be announced.

    In addition to the recent announcements Canada needs:

    1 Additional heavy ice breakers

    2 Air presences, high altitude planes with detection systems

    3 At least two high tech submarines on patrol

    4 Satellite systems to monitor the region

    5 Multiple UAV unmanned Arial vehicles for reconasense

    6 Supply, transportation and search and rescue vessels

    7 Scientific research vessels

    8 Modern bases and ports to support the above infrastructure and machines

    If Canada had the above, it would have no worries.

    .
  38. Jonnie BE GOOD from ST Kitts, Canada writes: Little did we know that sending a few troops to the North would result in such goodwill among Canadians - Thanks to Putin we will have a Tory majority --- now lower the taxes
  39. Jeff Pritchard from Canada writes: I agree with the vast majority of posters here who think this is a good and unusually far-sighted strategic move by the federal government.

    If only we could be as resolute with our southern neighbors.
  40. Grant Samuel from Canada writes:

    Dave a Conservative from Ottawa, Canada writes:For several decades our former gov'ts (primarily Libby brand) have gutted our northern frontier capability

    Not true Dave. It was the Trudeau Liberals that promoted frontier drilling in the Beaufort Sea. They also are the ones who planned and developed our newest icebreakers. Mulroney killed the offshore program (along with weaker oil prices) and the Polar 8 icebreaker project.

    Sadly the Chretien Liberals had to focus on eliminating the crushing deficit left from the Mulroney years, leaving precious little for anything from health-care to defence.

    Harper is now able to address this because he inherited a government in sound fiscal shape. When he took office it is the first time I can ever think of that that a new administration didn't complain about the bad books left by the previous administration.
  41. Greg Calgary from Canada writes: Regardless of which political leader made the announcements it's nice to see that most of the posters (liberal, NDP,conservative) can agree on a specific item or topic.
    I always knew there was hope.
    Cheers
  42. Alyssa Watson from Canada writes: The russians now the danes and soon the americans. Canada has always been there for the world in world wars and in humanitarian situations. Now its time too take care of business in our backyard. Nice too see harper stepping up too the plate. The liberal's solution would be too invite them all for a barbecue and give the russians danes and americans a free healthcare card. We couldnt defend the arctic from a pack of wolves especially after decades of neglect of the forces. This will all take years if not decades but at least its a start. Anyone too disagree with the goverment on this one is a turkey.
  43. Jack Schroder from Ottawa, Canada writes: Finally something me n Steve agree on.
  44. Grant Samuel from Canada writes:

    Steven Koning from Bloomfield, ON, Canada writes: Wait for the voices that will start crying about this money being taken out of the mouths of babes.

    They got their beer and popcorn money Steve.
  45. Common Sense Unnamed Anonymous Fabricated Source from Canada writes: Better tell Dion about this!

    Protecting Arctic Sovereignty is another one of those routine BS Liberal promises they trot out at election time but never intend to keep. ( ala GST scrap, National Daycare, etc.)

    Harper besides doing a very un-LIBERAL thing and keeping YET another Conservative promise has done more this week for Artic Sov. then Chretien and Dithers did in 13 years of Government

    Poor pathetic Dion.... pretty soon he will only be left with Meet Kyoto, Meet Kyoto.

  46. Alberto Bayo from Canada writes: Good plans...I hope they're more than just announcments that are forgotten or watered down.
  47. C M from Toronto, Canada writes: This is a really good start. My offer of sitting in a lawn chair on the shore of the Arctic Ocean with a rifle in my hands stands. All I ask is that food is dropped once in a while.
  48. ImaCANADIAN ! from Canada writes: This announcement of $584 million in total over twenty years is about how much we blow on Afghanistan every 6 to 12 months. Think of what we could do for Canada if we weren't wasting so much tax money over there.
  49. Jeremy kuyle from vancouver, Canada writes: claims claims claims

    so it is all about who has the bigger johnson and how much money they miht be able to make with it

    my understanding is not simplistic. i just dont happen to place as much relevance on stoking international tensions by staking claims to potential future profits
  50. M Steinmann from Toronto, Canada writes: I guess the conservatives really do believe in Global Warming after all.

    They just aren't going to do anything significant to prevent it.
  51. Neil B from The West, Canada writes: To ImaCANADIAN ! from Canada:

    Stabilizing and securing Afghanistan is good for Canada and the international community. Eradicating terror and violence from the nation is being supported by both NATO and the United Nations. In my honest opinion, as well as in the opinions of the two aforementioned organizations, we're not, 'wasting so much tax money over there.'
  52. Robert Pike from Kitchener, Canada writes: This will just be another summit series. Guess who won the last one?How much longer will the world sit by and watch these Russians push their 'outdated' weight around? Way to go Putin! You planted a flag! Once you realize it was a fruitless venture we can suggest a place where you can put it. Here's a question though. We pay natives money for using 'their' ancestors lands but if Russia (in a wild and crazy dream) took over the north you think they would consider compensating? Compensation in Russia? A round of bullets?
  53. Common Sense Unnamed Anonymous Fabricated Source from Canada writes: Grant Samuel from Canada writes: Sadly the Chretien Liberals had to focus on eliminating the crushing deficit left from the Mulroney years, leaving precious little for anything from health-care to defence. Wow Grant do U carry around a shovel to slog this type of BS? This is the typical Liberal gobblebabble that makes me want to puke! 'leaving precious little for anything' you say? How about the 'precious little' BILLION dollars unaccounted for and wasted in the HRDC BOONGOGGLE under Jane Brown could that BILLION have been used for something? How about the precious little BILLION dollars spent on a Gun registry that was supposed to costing 20 million and that hasn't prevented one crime nor aided in catching one criminal? Could that BILLION have been used for anything. How about the precious little 13.5 BILLION dollar a year surplus that the CRETON and DITHERS government ended up with every year due their intentional over taxation of the public? Could some of those BILLIONS have been used for anything? The Liberals were the biggest mis-managers of taxpayer dollars the country has ever seen. thats before we even get to the whole money laundering, adscam, thieving, criminal brown bag stuff.. Good points Grant! Precious little my A$$
  54. John Diefenbaker from Canada writes: Not sure that the knock against 'antique' rifles is justified. The Rangers do use WWII-era No.4 Lee Enfield rifles, but for a number of good reasons. They are bolt-action, with few moving parts to break or repair. They are simple to maintain, are quite accurate (certainly better than a C7 using iron sights) and extremely rugged. There is no plastic to snap in the extreme cold, and your hands/cheek won't freeze to the wooden parts. Plus, as a .303 they are an excellent hunting rifle (which is the primary use for most Rangers). All in all, a great example of newer not necessarily being better.
  55. Don Adams from Canada writes: Harper...again showing Leadership, not just to Canadians, but to the world.
  56. Silver Paladin from Calgary, Canada writes: I think this is a very good move, and the training of military in arctic weather is a perfect start for training for future lunar/planetary colonization. Even if our forces being trained in the near future are not to be used for future colonization, these bases could be the start of future training bases for space. Certainly the moon and Mars will be colder than our Arctic, it is a good start for earth-based training that does not need to be done in a specially simulated room. These arctic bases could become future money-makers also, as the USA would want to lease space here so that they could train their specialized forces for future space endeavors.
  57. Chris E. from Canada writes: Good move, protecting our Northern borders. Now let's close the other holes in our borders. Foreigners making bogus asylum claims at our airports. Foreigners coming to Canada on visas to have 'anchor babies', who will be granted automatic Canadian citizenship. Family reunifications on Canadian soil, as opposed to reunifying by returning home. Intensification of migration from non-Western parts of the world. Sponsorship of so-called U.N. refugees. Illegals using churches for refuge, to avoid deportation. Foreign persons charged with crimes, and then released back into the population.
  58. Neil B from The West, Canada writes: ah, yes, aren't the Lee Enfield rifles British-made? They're supposed to be incredible devices. It's a good thing the Rangers aren't equipped with Canadian-made Ross Rifles from WWI.
  59. Dom P from Ottawa, Canada writes: Liberal, conversative, npd, green or other... we should all agree that something needs to be done for the arctic. I am by no means a 'harper-lover', but this is a good start to actually protecting and owning the arctic. I see this as a canadian issue and not a political party issue. I hope there is more to come as the arctic region will become an extremely resourceful (natural, commercial and industrial) area in the very near future.
  60. Grant Samuel from Canada writes:

    Common Sense Unnamed Anonymous Fabricated Source

    Who is Jane Brown?
  61. Greg Calgary from Canada writes: Jeremy kuyle from vancouver, Canada writes: claims claims claims

    so it is all about who has the bigger johnson and how much money they miht be able to make with it

    my understanding is not simplistic. i just dont happen to place as much relevance on stoking international tensions by staking claims to potential future profits

    You're right Jeremy, let's just roll over and give it to russia so they can use our back yard as a nucular waiste dump. Good plan (you're a liberal right ?)
  62. Boy Tigas from mississauga, ON, Canada writes: I want to hear from Taliban Jack....maybe a news conference with thousands of microphones. What baffles me is the stand of the other opposition leaders. Where are those whimps??? Stand up for Canadaian territory guys!!!!!!Good job Steve.
  63. Greg Calgary from Canada writes: Dom P from Ottawa, Canada writes: Liberal, conversative, npd, green or other... we should all agree that something needs to be done for the arctic. I am by no means a 'harper-lover', but this is a good start to actually protecting and owning the arctic. I see this as a canadian issue and not a political party issue. I hope there is more to come as the arctic region will become an extremely resourceful (natural, commercial and industrial) area in the very near future

    Well said
  64. M Lafrance from Ottawa, Canada writes: Looks like everyone for the most parts agrees that this is a step in the right direction, except for jeremy kuyle from vancouver, who just seems to be completely out of touch with reality. Not very often that I get to see both left and right, Liberals and Conservatives agree on something. Certainly refreshing.
  65. Grant Samuel from Canada writes:

    Common Sense Unnamed Anonymous Fabricated Source

    Okay common I admit I got a little carried away. My main point was that Trudeau did more for the north than anybody since.
  66. Greg Calgary from Canada writes: Boy Tigas from mississauga, ON, Canada writes: I want to hear from Taliban Jack....maybe a news conference with thousands of microphones. What baffles me is the stand of the other opposition leaders. Where are those whimps??? Stand up for Canadaian territory guys!!!!!!Good job Steve.

    It'd be nice to see Dion or Layton say somrthing positive about the plan but I'm not holding my breath.
  67. Will ll from Maritimes, Canada writes: The north has been forgotten for too long and its about time. It is absolute idiocy to rely on the very people that dont recognize the claim to protect it (USA). Now icebreaker subs (ones that can surface from under an ice sheet) will also be needed as much/more then the icebreaker war ships. I may lean to the left but our northern policies have been a joke. Maybe we should also consider nuclear subs up there for the amount of time they can stay under the ice sheets even if they are louder then electric. That would certainly help the economy, our shipbuilding industry, and our tech sector as long as we dont by some allies obsolete junk. We have the money to do it.
  68. The Iconoclast from Canada writes: Get out of Afghanistan and watch our own backyard. Sell the Leopard tanks and get those icebreakers built.
  69. Grant Samuel from Canada writes:

    Greg Calgary from Canada writes:It'd be nice to see Dion or Layton say somrthing positive about the plan but I'm not holding my breath.

    Greg Layton was saying a few days ago we should be building icebreakers not slush breakers. I think build both.
  70. mini wheat from Toronto Area, Canada writes: Sign me up, I will do three years of hard core training and exercises to protect millions of km sq of land/ocean that is full of minerals, oil and other assets (tourism, fishing etc...). Good job Mr. Prime Minister. I also appreciated that you announced it on site as opposed to warm cozy Ottawa.
  71. Al B from Toronto, Canada writes: I say Bravo to Harper. If you need more money for the Arctic pump it out of Afghanistan.
  72. Bill Thompson from Calgary, Canada writes: In March of 78 I led a troop in winter indoc exercises in Resolute. It hit ninety five below with the windchill and no that is not an exaggeration. We were required to record air and wind temps. We were in nothing more than a tent, well dug into the snow, working our way north of Resolute (at least the map said north but the compass was useless) about 20 kilometres up island. After leaving the Forces, my wife and I spent a number of years living and working in the high arctic. All you folks cheering this on have no idea what you are talking about or really what this commitment entails. Money, resources and people are what are needed and not just a little. Frankly, after advocating development of the north for the past 30 odd years, I do not believe all these neo-cheerleaders are anything more than that; just cheerleaders…not a doer among them. In general I do not think Canadians have the stomach for a major venture anymore. I look at the vaunted Afghanistan mission and the lack of commitment as just one of the latest examples. This arctic fad will fade very soon as well; much to the detriment of the future of this country.
  73. C.S. Hamilton from Edmonton, Canada writes: The Iconoclast... what happens the next we find ourselves in a war on land. Send in our icebreakers? Keep the Leopards. Stay in Afghanistan. Finish the job. Boost Defence spending to 4% of the GDP (about the NATO standard). Sovereignty isn't cheap.
  74. Greg Calgary from Canada writes: Bill Thompson from Calgary, Canada writes: In March of 78 I led a troop in winter indoc exercises in Resolute. It hit ninety five below with the windchill and no that is not an exaggeration. We were required to record air and wind temps. We were in nothing more than a tent, well dug into the snow, working our way north of Resolute (at least the map said north but the compass was useless) about 20 kilometres up island. After leaving the Forces, my wife and I spent a number of years living and working in the high arctic. All you folks cheering this on have no idea what you are talking about or really what this commitment entails. Money, resources and people are what are needed and not just a little. Frankly, after advocating development of the north for the past 30 odd years, I do not believe all these neo-cheerleaders are anything more than that; just cheerleaders…not a doer among them. In general I do not think Canadians have the stomach for a major venture anymore. I look at the vaunted Afghanistan mission and the lack of commitment as just one of the latest examples. This arctic fad will fade very soon as well; much to the detriment of the future of this country. Billy, haven't you heard of global warming. It's time to buy beach front property before it's all gone. Sorry it sucked staying in that tent but hey you sighed up.
  75. Bradly Wiebe from Canada writes:
    Well said, Bill Thompson. As soon as anything begins to look mildly difficult to accomplish, or is seen as slightly different than the 'norm', Canadians run away screaming. It's sad.
  76. Bill NotGates from Canada writes: The best defence would be American investment in the North!
  77. Rolly Beethoven from Canada writes: Previous governments would have attempted to negotiate with the Ruskies and then end up giving most of the land that should have been Canadian away. For me the jury is still out on Harper's crowd however, I see some decision making going on which is a refreshing change.
  78. It's That Man Again from Toronto, Canada writes: Jeremy Kuyle from Vancouver:

    'comparing willy size'?
    'who has the bigger johnson'?

    It appears you have a rather unhealthy fixation with the male appendage.

    Maybe we should send you to the Arctic. Help you cool down.
  79. A Canuck from Ottawa, Canada writes: Grant Samuel from Canada - you are ridiculous. Bravo Harper, keep it up, it is good to feel proud again.
  80. Greg Calgary from Canada writes: Bradly Wiebe from Canada writes:
    Well said, Bill Thompson. As soon as anything begins to look mildly difficult to accomplish, or is seen as slightly different than the 'norm', Canadians run away screaming. It's sad.

    Gee Brad try that line with the Canadian soldiers who fought in the last two world wars. Canadians don't just up and run when things get tough as you've stated.
    Some people will live their lives angry at the world. Brad, you're one of those people.
  81. Greg Calgary from Canada writes: You (Greg Calgary, from Canada) wrote: Bradly Wiebe from Canada writes:
    Well said, Bill Thompson. As soon as anything begins to look mildly difficult to accomplish, or is seen as slightly different than the 'norm', Canadians run away screaming. It's sad.

    Gee Brad try that line with the Canadian soldiers who fought in the last two world wars. Canadians don't just up and run when things get tough as you've stated.
    Some people will live their lives angry at the world. Brad, you're one of those people.

    Sorry I should have included all conflicts involving Canadian soldiers who by many are considered some of the best in the world.
  82. Douglas Freestone from Calgary, Canada writes: Excellent news. Very good choices for both the port and the training station.

    I also agree with the post by Dr Demento from Canada (at 1:12) [never thought I would say that]. It does indeed make perfect sense to establish a chain between southern Canada, Churchill, the new port and training facility, as well as the listening post in Alert.

    Terry M from Houston, United States (at 1:36) also nails it with his post outlining other steps that Canada must take to ensure/prove that we have an active and continual presence in the arctic.
  83. Bill Thompson from Calgary, Canada writes: Greg from Calgary; You simply have no idea.
  84. Bradly Wiebe from Canada writes:
    Greg, exactly my point. We are currently faced with a very real threat just like we were in the two world wars, yet an overwhelming majority of Canadians want to cut and run.

    I'm not angry at the world, I'm disappointed with Canadians, many of whom are putting partisan politics and their party loyalty ahead of their loyalty to their country and the rights of others to have the same freedoms that we take for granted.
  85. Greg Calgary from Canada writes: Bill Thompson from Calgary, Canada writes: Greg from Calgary; You simply have no idea.

    Gee Billy the vast majority of these posts feel this is positive news. You don't. Wow I wonder who's on the outside looking in. In case you can't figure that out it'd be you Billy.
    Cheers
  86. Craig Cooper from Toronto, writes: Should have bought the nuclear subs when we had the chance, but no -- wishy-washiness prevails.
  87. Grant Samuel from Canada writes:

    A Canuck from Ottawa

    Did you get tired of shuffling the the papers on your desk in your government cubicle so you thought you would read the G&M online while on the taxpayers time?
  88. Greg Calgary from Canada writes: Bradly Wiebe from Canada writes:
    Greg, exactly my point. We are currently faced with a very real threat just like we were in the two world wars, yet an overwhelming majority of Canadians want to cut and run.

    I'm not angry at the world, I'm disappointed with Canadians, many of whom are putting partisan politics and their party loyalty ahead of their loyalty to their country and the rights of others to have the same freedoms that we take for granted.

    Bradly if I misunderstood your post I'm sorry.
    Cheers
  89. Shawn W from Toronto, Canada writes: Although I deeply dislike the PM, I must say I'm very happy about his assertive agenda with regards to our Arctic sovereignty. To echo some of the other posters, piss-off, Putin!
  90. German Shepard from toronto, Canada writes: Go Steve. And I mean that in a good way.
  91. Vern MCPherson from Canada writes: And after the flood and melt when the north had been revealed to us we saw that it was good. And the people (a few of them) sought out the oracle for advice on what to do.
    And it was decided the libs a ignored the arctic for 13 years though it was true the land known as Nunavut was granted by them to the northern people by the libs people. Yet so it was said and so it was written and profilgated.

    And steve arrived to save the north from the evil libs. And he said a thing - many things - with estimates that seemed good. And the scribes reported and they wrote. And it was in the book.

    Then the devil appeared and said:

    Details, we want the details.

    I remind you all the devil is in the details.

  92. smelter rat from Canada writes: When times get tough again, and they will, this will be the first project to get whacked. None of the cheerleaders on this board will be around to defend this collosal waste of money then, because the reality is, most of you don't give a rat's **s about then north, and couldn't find it on a map if you did.
  93. Vern MCPherson from Canada writes: Don Adams from Canada writes: Harper...again showing Leadership, not just to Canadians, but to the world.

    -----------------------

    I remind you donnie, thinking it does not make it so.
  94. Greg Calgary from Canada writes: smelter rat from Canada writes: When times get tough again, and they will, this will be the first project to get whacked. None of the cheerleaders on this board will be around to defend this collosal waste of money then, because the reality is, most of you don't give a rat's **s about then north, and couldn't find it on a map if you did.

    Smelter rat, I'm guessing it's north ?
  95. CPT America from United States writes: Better watch out moral super power Canadians or the Danes (Vikings) might just hand you your 'butts.'
  96. 20 20 from Canada writes: Based on these comments, if Harper wants a majority, he should focus on Canadian sovereignty. Make Canadian sovereignty the election issue - Not just geographic sovereignty, but, just as importantly, political and economic sovereignty. Canadian sovereignty is an issue that Canadians of all stripes can firmly and proudly support together - unlike Afghanistan which only a minority of 36% of Canadians support, yet to which Harper strangely devotes so much more of our time and money.
  97. Ranald Walton from Hamilton, Canada writes: Shawn W, I do like our Prime Minister and the current government but I echo: Piss off Russia! Now that Russia has an economy about the size of Ontario's it will be easier for Canada to outspend them in an arms race.
  98. A Canuck from Ottawa, Canada writes: Grant Samuel from Canada writes:

    A Canuck from Ottawa

    Did you get tired of shuffling the the papers on your desk in your government cubicle so you thought you would read the G&M online while on the taxpayers time?

    I am a heart surgeon at the very respectable Ottawa Heart Institute...Public Servants are not the only soul in Ottawa and not all are dead wood. Again, you are ridiculous...it really matches your Mulroney/Chretien logic!!!!
  99. Jeremy kuyle from vancouver, Canada writes: with all this patriotic back slapping and rarraing and aren't we great we kickass because we showed those damn russkies that we got something in our pants too you guys are forgetting that its climate change which has made this landgrab possible. and whats the purpose of the landgrab? to secure the rights to profit from oil under the artic ocean - oil which, when burned, will perpetuate the problem of climate change and lead to further disruptions to places like the artic ocean which will lead to further comic moments like the recent adolescent strutting of Harper on this issue.
  100. Chris E. from Canada writes: Sovereignty, expressed as economic, cultural, and territorial nationalism, is what should unify the country.
  101. Greg Calgary from Canada writes: CPT America from United States writes: Better watch out moral super power Canadians or the Danes (Vikings) might just hand you your 'butts.'
    Posted 10/08/07 at 3:01 PM EDT | Alert an Editor | Link to Comment

    Never under estimate the danes or anyone else for that matter. So far I think they've laid claim to a rock the size of a football field. I'm sure that will be up graded in the near future.
  102. Jeremy kuyle from vancouver, Canada writes: Greg
    can you even define liberal or do you use it like an american ie a slur to marginalize the viewpoints that you cant argue against?
  103. Reefer Sutherland from The Big Smoke, Canada writes: And so the global resource wars kick it up a notch. While I honour stevies sentiment, I fear this is more about posturing than doing anything concrete. Let's be honest - we don't have the resources to properly defend the North against anyone but perhaps the Danes and the Norwegians.

    'Terry M from Houston, United States writes:

    Another good move by Harper, but the North needs more, hopefully more will be announced.

    In addition to the recent announcements Canada needs:

    1 Additional heavy ice breakers

    2 Air presences, high altitude planes with detection systems

    3 At least two high tech submarines on patrol

    4 Satellite systems to monitor the region

    5 Multiple UAV unmanned Arial vehicles for reconasense

    6 Supply, transportation and search and rescue vessels

    7 Scientific research vessels

    8 Modern bases and ports to support the above infrastructure and machines'

    Terry's list is a good start (add sonar detection to that), but there is no way we have the means to ramp up what is needed to defend our territory. Besides, under the Security and Prosperity Partnership that is currently being forged without the Canadian people's consent or involvement, all those marvelous resources will belong to the North American Union (i.e. the USA). The time has long past for Canada to step up and defend her sovereignty in the North. We already missed the boat.

    I'm glad all of you Harper cheerleaders feel good about this though.
  104. Nelson C. from Toronto, Canada writes: HERE HERE CANADA!
  105. Greg Calgary from Canada writes: Jeremy kuyle from vancouver, Canada writes: with all this patriotic back slapping and rarraing and aren't we great we kickass because we showed those damn russkies that we got something in our pants too you guys are forgetting that its climate change which has made this landgrab possible. and whats the purpose of the landgrab? to secure the rights to profit from oil under the artic ocean - oil which, when burned, will perpetuate the problem of climate change and lead to further disruptions to places like the artic ocean which will lead to further comic mo