Survey data needed to complete Canada’s Arctic submission to Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf
July 24, 2015 - Ottawa, Ontario - Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
The Honourable Rob Nicholson, P.C., Q.C., M.P. for Niagara Falls, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced the launch of a scientific survey that will contribute important data to support Canada’s Arctic continental shelf submission. A survey for this purpose was also conducted from August to September 2014. Scientists with the Geological Survey of Canada and the Canadian Hydrographic Service will be deployed on the Canadian Coast Guard Ship (CCGS) Louis S. St-Laurent to collect data about the seabed in the Eurasian Basin on the eastern side of the Lomonosov Ridge. In December 2013, the Government of Canada filed preliminary information regarding the outer limits of its continental shelf in the Arctic Ocean with the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf. Canada’s submission to the Commission will be filed after data collected has been analyzed and the submission drafted.
The CCGS Louis S. St-Laurent will depart Halifax and meet the CCGS Terry Fox off the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador. The CCGS Terry Fox will accompany the CCGS Louis S. St-Laurent to break ice, and together the ships will travel to the port of Tromsø, Norway, to pick up the scientific and technical personnel for the six-week-long survey in the Arctic Ocean. Both ships are due back in Kugluktuk, Nunavut, on September 17, 2015.
“This scientific survey is another step toward realizing this government’s vision for the Arctic, which includes clearly defined boundaries and recognition of the full extent of Canada’s continental shelf in the Arctic Ocean.”
- The Honourable Rob Nicholson, Minister of Foreign Affairs
“Expanding our knowledge and understanding of Canada’s North is important for exercising our sovereign rights to the natural resources on Canada’s extended continental shelf in the Arctic Ocean. This huge scientific undertaking involving many highly skilled people and specialized equipment is a significant investment in Canada’s long-term economic prosperity.”
- Greg Rickford, Minister of Natural Resources
“Canada’s efforts to define its extended continental shelf have resulted in one of the world’s most interesting and far-reaching undersea investigations and have benefited from unprecedented technological innovation. We are proud of the quality work of the Canadian Hydrographic Service and the Canadian Coast Guard; their expertise and experience are key to ensuring the strongest possible scientific basis for Canada’s submission.”
- Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans
“The North is an essential part of Canada’s heritage and its future. Defining the outer limits of our continental shelf is not only an investment in Northerners and the economy, but it will ensure the best possible deal for our country. Our government is committed to helping the North realize its true potential as a healthy, prosperous and secure region within a strong and sovereign Canada.”
- Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency and Minister for the Arctic Council
Johanna Quinney
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
343-203-1851
johanna.quinney@international.gc.ca
Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
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