REYKJAVIK, Iceland – November 24, 2004 – The Honourable Stéphane Dion, Minister of the Environment, today reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to work with circumpolar governments and Arctic peoples by signing the Ministerial Declaration at the fourth biennial meeting of the Arctic Council where Minister Dion represented Canada on behalf of the Honourable Pierre Pettigrew, Minister of Foreign Affairs. The Declaration refers to issues of importance to the eight member states and six indigenous peoples groups of the Arctic Council. These issues are discussed in a series of comprehensive studies presented at the meeting. Among them are the Arctic Climate Impact Assessment, the Arctic Human Development Report, and the Arctic Marine Strategic Plan which are particularly important to Canada. “The great stresses put on the unique and fragile Arctic ecosystems have been fully brought to the world’s attention for the first time today,” said Minister Dion. “The reports tabled at the conference will support key environmental commitments made by the Government of Canada in the most recent Speech from the Throne. Most notably, these reports will help inform our Northern Strategy and will complement our Oceans Action Plan.” “Canada's commitment to partnership with Northern peoples and our circumpolar neighbours to address issues of common concern and responsibility remains an important part of our foreign policy as highlighted in The Northern Dimension of Canada’s Foreign Policy," said Mr. Pettigrew. "Our participation in the Arctic Council, a priority in that policy, underscores our desire to engage in cooperative efforts to make a positive difference in the lives of Northerners in the Circumpolar North.” The Arctic Climate Impact Assessment (ACIA), a four year project of the Arctic Council and the International Arctic Science Committee, is an expert scientific assessment of the current and projected consequences of climate change and the effects of increased UV radiation in the Arctic. The ACIA is the most comprehensive peer-reviewed assessment of Arctic climate change ever undertaken, and involved over 250 international scientists and traditional knowledge experts, including 77 Canadians. The ACIA sets out the following policy actions: Mitigation Adaptation Research, observations, monitoring and modelling Outreach The Arctic Human Development Report is a comprehensive assessment of human conditions in the entire circumpolar region. The report will help identify critical gaps in knowledge that require the attention of the scientific community and will help set the agenda and establish priorities for the work of the Arctic Council. This report both identifies problems encountered in the North today and highlights success stories. Co-led by Canada and Iceland, the Arctic Marine Strategic Plan is a coordinating framework intended to improve how the Arctic coastal and marine environment is managed, particularly given the accelerated changes occurring in the north from climate change and the possibility of increased economic activity. The Plan includes four overarching goals: reduce and prevent marine pollution; conserve biodiversity and ecosystem functions; promote the health and prosperity of communities; and advance sustainable resource use. The Arctic Council is a high-level forum that brings together participants from the eight circumpolar countries (Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden, and the United States) and six International Indigenous Peoples organizations (Aleut International Association, Arctic Athabaskan Council, Gwich'in Council International, Inuit Circumpolar Conference, Saami Council, and the Russian Association of Indigenous Peoples of the North). Today marked its fourth biennial meeting following its 1996 founding in Ottawa. - 30 - For more information contact: Emma Orawiec Press Secretary Minister of the Environment (819) 997-1441 Sébastien Théberge Director of Communications Minister of Foreign Affairs (613) 995-1851
