Elevate your local knowledge
Sign up for the iNFOnews newsletter today!
Harper names health minister as Canada’s chief at Arctic Council table next year
Original Publication Date: August 23, 2012 5:27AM
Publication Updated: January 9, 2025 5:03AM
CAMBRIDGE BAY, Nunavut – The federal health minister will lead the international Arctic Council next year as it grapples with whether to allow other countries at the table.
Canada assumes leadership of the eight-nation body in 2013, and the prime minister announced today in Nunavut that Leona Aglukkaq is his choice for Canada’s official ambassador.
Canada takes over as chair of the group next year from Sweden.
The eight-nation working group was set up in 1996 and is charged with developing a co-ordinated approach on issues such as environmental protection and development.
But as melting ice and a global thirst for resources have made the Arctic a lucrative environment, other countries are angling for a seat at the table as official observers.
Key among them is China and the European Union, both countries that are high on Canada’s list of trading partners.
News from © The Canadian Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Join the Conversation!
Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?
You must be logged in to post a comment.
