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.

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.