Canada lags Russia in Arctic race

As the Arctic climate warms and polar ice continues to melt, the Northwest Passage through Canada’s Arctic archipelago promises to become an increasingly important strategic and economic concern. Likewise, the Northern Sea Route for shipping in Russian Arctic waters. But unlike Canada, Russia is eagerly developing its shipping infrastructure in its northern waters, reports the Toronto Star. The Russian port of Murmansk alone is slated for $10 billion in investment over the next decade. By contrast, the Northwest Passage, which only saw its first commercial shipment in 2008, has little major infrastructure. Although the Northwest Passage is considered an international waterway by the U.S. and the European Union, Canada could stand to gain by controlling access to the dangerous, but potentially lucrative route.

Toronto Star