Breaking the Ice

In this episode of Breaking the Ice, we were joined by two leading experts on Arctic governance and defence: Dr. Rebecca Pincus, Director of the Polar Institute at the Wilson Center, and Dr. Andrea Charron, Director of the Centre for Defence and Security Studies at the University of Manitoba. We discussed the complex dynamics shaping Canada-US Arctic relations, particularly around UNCLOS, maritime boundaries, and growing geopolitical competition in the region.

This week on Breaking the ice, we are launching our new Podcast Series 'Around the Arctic'! Hosts, Nauja Bianco, Criag Fleener, Jessica Shadian, and Jaiden Stevens, are going to bring to you what they do best by taking their cross-border conversations from Alaska, Canada, and Greenland from the coffee shop and happy hour to the podcast space.

Each week, they will discuss, argue, contemplate, and share news, politics, and stories of the week from in and around the Arctic. So grab your coffee or spirits (its always apero time somewhere!), and join us where talking Arctic comes to life!

In an engaging discussion on Canada's pressing infrastructure needs, we welcomed two distinguished guests: David Thompson and Charles McNeely. David brings a wealth of experience from his role managing real property infrastructure investments for Canada’s Department of National Defence and Charles, who is the Chairperson for Sahtu Secretariat Incorporated, offers valuable insights on its mandate and the crucial decision-making processes that impact Arctic communities. Together, their expertise lays a solid foundation for exploring the vital infrastructure challenges facing the North.

This past week we spoke with Mead Treadwell, former Lieutenant Governor of Alaska and former chairman of the US Arctic Research Commission from 2001 to 2006, and Jackie Dawson, Canada’s Research Chair in Environmental Change and Arctic Shipping at the University of Ottawa.

Both are prominent figures in Arctic research and policy. Despite their different backgrounds, Treadwell and Dawson share a common passion: advocating for an Arctic strategy that truly taps into the immense opportunities this region offers for Canada. With their extensive expertise and unique perspectives, they stand out as leading voices in the crucial conversations surrounding Arctic maritime defense and security.

This week for our first episode of this summer’s ‘Breaking the Ice’ Podcast Series, we were joined by Erin O’Toole and Sean Boyd to have a conversation on North American Arctic infrastructure and defence.

We looked at Canada’s need to develop an effective Arctic strategy, the increased need to focus on Canadian Arctic security and sovereignty, and the role of infrastructure, education, and innovation to address Canada’s Arctic needs and unlock its potential.

Sean and Erin both come to this discussion through long-term careers focused on Canada’s North. Erin O’Toole’s early military service first turned his attention to Canada’s North which later influenced his strong advocacy for Arctic infrastructure, investment, partnerships, and policies during his time as a Canadian political MP.

Through his tenure (including as former CEO) at Agnico, Sean Boyd spent ample time in the North and developed strong partnerships with Inuit communities and leaders through Agnico’s mining projects in the region. His experiences eventually fuelled his national advocacy on the need for a Canadian Arctic strategy to build multi-purpose and multi-sector social, economic, and defence infrastructure that includes enabling private-public partnerships.

Arctic360 is proud to announce the return our summer podcast series Breaking the Ice. Each week, we will speak with international and local experts to understand the issues facing the North American arctic.

Listen to this episode for more information about what to expect this summer.

In this first episode of ESG in the Arctic, we will explore Ocean Conservancy’s Arctic Corporate Shipping Pledge. With the Arctic warming three times faster than the rest of the world, the melting ice opens up new pathways for trans-shipment routes. According to Ocean Conservancy, increased shipping traffic poses threats to marine ecosystems. In response, the pledge asks corporations to avoid Arctic Trans-Shipment routes and promote precautionary Arctic shipping practices.

Today we’re pleased to welcome Whit Sheard to Breaking the Ice. Whit is the Senior Director of Shipping Emissions at Ocean Conservancy and the lead for Ocean Conservancy’s International Arctic Program. Together, we discuss the origins and aims of the pledge, Ocean Conservancy’s collaboration with Nike, and the possible implications of the pledge.

We're back with a new fall series on ESG investing! Stay tuned for new episodes over the next few months.

As interest in northern shipping routes continues to grow, Canada may need a well-developed port system to manage this increased traffic.

But is it possible to build a SMART port in the Arctic? SMART ports use innovative technologies, including artificial intelligence, automation, blockchain, and more, to help in the docking of ships, unloading of goods, and other key port functions.

Today on Breaking the Ice, we’re speaking to Dr. Natalie Gupta on this important subject. Natalie has worked independently through her own consultancy firm Port Processes Ltd., advising ports around the world.

Nunavut is the only jurisdiction in Canada where residents do not have access to internet speeds over 25 megabits per second. Instead, Nunavut must rely on satellite internet, which is slow and expensive.

This has made life even more difficult for northern residents during the COVID-19 pandemic, as many have struggled to access online healthcare, schooling, and other services.

Today on Breaking the Ice, we’re talking to Madeleine Redfern from CanArctic Inuit Networks about their plan to build a fibre-optic SMART cable to Nunavut. This would finally bring internet speeds comparable to what is available in southern Canada north.

In addition to her position as COO at CanArctic Inuit Networks, Madeleine is also the former mayor of Iqaluit and the Executive Director of Arctic360’s Northern Branch, among many other roles.