With increased melting ice, more of the Arctic's minerals and resources become exposed. As more countries gain interest in the region, it is important for Canada to claim their region and borders, particularly as travel increases through the Northwest Passage.

With a lack of media reporting, Canada launches their new Arctic Policy Framework. Promising to consult Indigenous peoples and local governments, the framework seems to have lost consensus as many of the goals laid out do not represent the consulted group. 

As Canada continues to develop the Arctic, new opportunities and challenges arise. Increased competition and sovereignty are a large threat, and as the Arctic gains more power and influence, Canada must be updating defence and security in the area.

With the development of Canada's Northern Policy Framework, it is vital for Indigenous people to be included in the process and take part in the development of the policies being implemented.

Arctic nations such as Canada, Russia, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, the US, and Denmark have all proposed strategies in addressing the Arctic and capitalizing on its potential. However, these countries must also consider the environmental factors required to preserve the Arctic and its potential. 

Canada and Norway have the largest Arctic land masses and populations. Facing similar issues such as high transportation costs, lack of public infrastructure, climate change, and overall security, they both agree that as they move forward to fix these problems the way forward must involve maintaining a sustainable ocean. 

Canada's Northern Policy Framework has fallen under scrutiny after not making clear plans to address problems in the Arctic. Experts point out areas of improvements and look to government for response.

After threats to the Arctic increase, Canada announces their investment of nearly $5 billion to the Arctic over the next 6 years to modernize and update defence to ensure Arctic sovereignty.

The Arctic's largest threat is the rising temperatures and environmental effects of global warming and climate change. The Arctic council goes over strategies on how to best preserve the Arctic and create a sustainable future.

P. Whitney Lackenbauer breaks down Canada's history of Arctic policies with an analysis of the newly introduced Northern Policy Framework.