Canada gets its chance to lead the Arctic world next year — and analysts say the country needs to start laying the groundwork for it now.
"Canada can play a leadership role in a way that not only advances the public interest in Canada but also Canada's standing in the world," said former Yukon premier Tony Penikett.
He is leading a major conference in Toronto this week on what the country should aim for when it begins its two-year term as head of the Arctic Council in April 2013.
The Arctic Council brings together northern aboriginals and the eight nations that ring the North Pole. Once largely confined to research and advice, the council is increasingly important and passed its first binding treaty last year on Arctic search and rescue. Further agreements, including one on developing energy resources, are under discussion.
"The Arctic Council is at a defining moment," said Sarah French, co-ordinator of the Munk-Gordon Arctic Security Program, which is sponsoring the conference.
"We've had some good successes, but where are we going next?
"It's an extremely interesting time and that's why it's so vital that Canada seizes the opportunity to really use its chairmanship to show that Canada is a strong Arctic player."
"Canada can play a leadership role in a way that not only advances the public interest in Canada but also Canada's standing in the world," said former Yukon premier Tony Penikett.
He is leading a major conference in Toronto this week on what the country should aim for when it begins its two-year term as head of the Arctic Council in April 2013.
The Arctic Council brings together northern aboriginals and the eight nations that ring the North Pole. Once largely confined to research and advice, the council is increasingly important and passed its first binding treaty last year on Arctic search and rescue. Further agreements, including one on developing energy resources, are under discussion.
"The Arctic Council is at a defining moment," said Sarah French, co-ordinator of the Munk-Gordon Arctic Security Program, which is sponsoring the conference.
"We've had some good successes, but where are we going next?
"It's an extremely interesting time and that's why it's so vital that Canada seizes the opportunity to really use its chairmanship to show that Canada is a strong Arctic player."