We Are A Northern Country: Stephen Harper And The Canadian Arctic

摘要

Two Canadian Speeches from the Throne (2007, 2010) form the centrepiece of this brief analysis of Stephen Harper and his government's approach towards the Arctic. In essence, it is argued that a form of actionism prevails; a preference for being seen to be taking action in the face of apparent uncertainly regarding the Arctic and the activities of other stakeholders. Unpinned by what Michael Billig termed 'habit of language', this note considers how Prime Minister Harper mobilises domestic political support for this proposals. However, it is a risky strategy. As the 2010 meeting of the five Arctic Ocean coastal states revealed, other stakeholders such as the United States in the form of Secretary of State Hillary Clinton publicly rebuked Canada for attempting to limit participation in talks about the future of the Arctic