Canada to strengthen its grip on the Arctic with new bases

scotsman.com ^ | 11 Aug 2007

[Tailgunner Joe]

CANADA has said it will build two new military bases in its far north as the battle for claims over Arctic Ocean resources heats up.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper made the announcement during a tour of Canada's northern territories.

It comes as a Danish mission prepares to sail to the North Pole to map the seabed under the ice.

Last week, a Russian expedition planted the country's flag on the floor of the Arctic Ocean under the North Pole.

Mr Harper said a cold-weather army training base would be set up at Resolute Bay and an existing port at a former mine at Nanisivik would be refurbished to supply Arctic patrol vessels. He said the facilities would bolster Canada's claims to disputed portions of the Arctic.

"Canada's new government understands that the first principle of Arctic sovereignty is use it or lose it," Mr Harper said from Resolute, an Inuit community about 372 miles south of the North Pole.

[oakcon]

It’s good to see that we’re doing this, but the fact remains that the U.S., Russia, or even the EU could push through the passage like we weren’t even there if push comes to shove.

Realism sucks...

[fanfan]

I'm glad to see this being covered. Thanks for posting.

[RightWhale]

So could China. They have historical claim to the region. Watch.

[cripplecreek]

I suspect that we’ll have some presence there anyway. Despite our differences we’re still friends. Besides our presence would be to assure that no one pushes through like you weren’t there.

[G8 Diplomat]

Now I should add a little ship flying the Danish flag off in the distance. This picture could really become full as things take off.

[January24th]

So, after all these years of accusation from the Left, it's really Canada that is the Imperialist Expansionist country. Must be all those hippies that tucked tail and moved there, aggravatin' the funny-gene pool and getting the Canucks all in a serious state of coveteousness.

-JoA
Professional Slacker

[cripplecreek]

Pulp Muppets?

LOL that’s hillarious

[jjw]

I didn’t know they had any ships anymore. The entire personnel of their navy is 9500 last I read. How will they man their new bases?

[January24th]

Yes. Pulp Muppets.

"In a world gone terribly dull..."

-JoA
Useless.

[January24th]

I just watched it again. In the cast of muppet names, it leaves Eric Stoltz as himself. LOL! He does sorta look like a muppet.

[G8 Diplomat]

Must be all those hippies that tucked tail and moved there

Yup. Damn draft-dodgers.



BTW, your screen name is my birthday, LOL

[oakcon]

That’s what I’m hoping, I think my dad’s pessimism is rubbing off on me though. Doesn’t trust you guys not to grab it/ doesn’t think you’d have our back if someone else did. Never been very America-friendly.

[cripplecreek]

You guys have plenty we want and we haven’t just taken it yet. To me the value of a good neighbor goes above and beyond the value or your resources. We know that you’ll share anything you have with us (at a fair price)

[Levante]

Can you add Harper smashing Pukin’s head off?

;)

[colorado tanker]

Maybe they need to extend the Ice Road and send the Truckers north. Hugh could pound Pooty-Poot, for sure.

[G8 Diplomat]

Sure, LOL! Good idea.

[G8 Diplomat]

I’ll have him smashing Gore’s head as well ;)

[G8 Diplomat]

LOL!! Funniest thing I’ve heard all day. I’d love to see Hugh and Vlad face off in a karate match.

[Levante]

You just made my week!!!!

[Brakeman]

Good, the more the better.

I say whoever can manage to establish a viable operation there should have rights to that particular area.

[colorado tanker]

Well, I think Hugh’s fighting style is more reflective of the ancient martial art of bar room brawling. :-))