Canada Research Chair delves into discussion about Russia’s claim to the Arctic seabed
Do good fences, as the old adage suggests, make good neighbours? A recent submission made by Russia to the United Nations Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf is seeking to extend a claim that would draw an imaginary border on the Arctic seabed alongside Canadian and Danish borders.
This has prompted some experts to question what the consequences will be for Canada.
Trent School for the Study of Canada’s Dr. Whitney Lackenbauer, Canada research chair in the Study of the Canadian North, is an expert on circumpolar studies who explores how Canada should balance sovereignty, security and stewardship responsibilities in the North. His stance on this recent news: that it signals a negotiation between Canada, Russia and Denmark, and is largely rules-based.
“Russia is playing by the rules. And for those of us who are concerned about Russia’s flouting of the rules-based order, I actually take a great deal of comfort in seeing Russia go through the established process in this particular case,” notes Professor Lackenbauer, who goes on to explain that he is not concerned about a potential conflict. “I’m not worried about Russia’s actions as an Arctic coastal state seeking to determine the outermost limits of its extended continental shelf.”
Russia seeks bigger piece of Arctic Ocean seabed; expert worries about consequences for Canada
Apr. 11, 2021
Source: The Globe and Mail
