96.1 Safeguarding Canada’s Arctic Sovereignty
Whereas, Historically Canadian sovereignty over Arctic Islands which form part of the Northwest Territories is well established
and the inhabitants are subject to Territorial and Canadian Law; and,
Whereas, Internal Waters are not subject to notification under the right of innocent passage; and,
Whereas, In 1985, Canada formally asserted its jurisdiction over these Arctic waters by drawing straight baselines around
Arctic Islands; and,
Whereas, In 1986, Canada and the United States signed an Agreement which required Canadian consent before each transit
of US Government-owned or Government-operated icebreakers; and,
Whereas, The special Arctic exception clause agreed to by the US and the USSR at the law of the Sea Conference validates
Canada’s legislation and forms part of customary International Law; and,
Whereas, The United States continues to refuse to recognize Canada’s claim to Arctic sovereignty in the area’s waters,
including the Northwest Passage; therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That The National Council of Women of Canada urge the Government of Canada to:
- Safeguard Canada’s sovereignty in the Arctic throughout the islands and waterways, including the Northwest Passage; and,
- Urge the United Nations to reaffirm the Canadian site of the Arctic polar region as Canadian Territory.