Opening of Arctic naval refuelling facility in limbo, DND acknowledges

Opening of Arctic naval refuelling facility in limbo, DND acknowledges

The Nanisivik Naval Facility was initially announced in 2007, with a targeted opening of 2012, but that has been continually delayed.

Why are tensions high in the Arctic?

Who are the members of the Arctic Council? Why has the Arctic region become an area of interest now? What is the conflict around the Northwest Passage? How has Russia made its presence known in the region?

Many years ago, in a meeting with a port delegation from Iceland, I was surprised by the statement of one of those present: “We are a strategic point of international maritime trade.” I was about to laugh. Iceland, a part of which is located in the Arctic polar circle, strategic location? Fortunately, I did not.Keep reading...