Why were Arctic waters important to Stephen Harper’s government?

The government of Stephen Harper prioritized Arctic waters primarily to assert Canadian sovereignty and secure access to potential natural resources.1

Key motivations and actions included:

• Sovereignty and Security: The administration launched several programs to strengthen Canada's control over the Arctic, specifically aiming to assert its claim to the Northwest Passage. To support this, the government announced the purchase of patrol ships and the construction of two military bases in Nunavut—one in Nanisivik and one in Resolute Bay.12
• Economic Potential: A significant driver for securing these waters was the desire to ensure future access to potential petroleum resources located in the Arctic seabed.1
• Future Shipping: The government recognized that global warming could potentially transform the Northwest Passage into a major international shipping channel, further increasing the strategic importance of the region.2

These efforts were part of a broader focus on national security and economic management that defined much of the Harper government's agenda.1