Canada and the United States absolutely must unite their efforts to ensure better defense of the Arctic against the expansionist tendencies of Russia and China in this region of the globe.
At least that is what former Quebec Premier Jean Charest proposed in a speech he gave in New York on Thursday evening before an audience of distinguished guests gathered for a meeting. of the Foreign Policy Association. Mr. Charest was honored by this organization, receiving the Foreign Policy Association Medal, the highest distinction given to individuals to highlight their contribution to a better understanding of international affairs.
“Canada and the United States share a common and pressing interest in protecting our sovereignty in the Arctic. With the effects of climate change, our northern territory is literally changing before our eyes. The geopolitical consequences are immediate and considerable,” said Mr. Charest in his speech.
The Arctic region is more than ever coveted by foreign powers like Russia and China because of the natural resources it holds and which are becoming more accessible due to melting ice caused by global warming.
Already, Russia has multiplied investments in order to build new ports and new infrastructures in this region, while establishing a modern military base there.
Curb the expansionist ambitions of China and Russia
According to Mr. Charest, Canada alone cannot counter the expansionist ambitions of these two countries. Hence the importance of working together with the United States. He pointed out that the two allies already work closely together to ensure the defense of the North American continent through NORAD, among others.
According to him, the defense of the Arctic must become a joint project between Canada and the United States which will be able to nourish bilateral relations over the coming years, even if Washington does not recognize Canada’s sovereignty over the Northwest Passage. .
During the race for the leadership of the Conservative Party of Canada, won by Pierre Poilievre, Mr. Charest had also proposed to significantly strengthen the presence of military forces for the defense of Canada’s North by establishing two bases, one of which is in deep water. .
“We cannot do this alone. […] We need the support and cooperation of the United States and we must do so using all of our existing multilateral institutions, including NATO and NORAD. In addition to watching over our airspace, NORAD also provides a common maritime alert,” argued Mr. Charest.
Reached by La Presse, Mr. Charest said he was honored to receive this distinction from the Foreign Policy Association. In the area of foreign affairs, he said he learned a lot from former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney when he was a minister in his government. Mr. Mulroney has also been recognized by several international organizations for his foreign policy, which was notably marked by the fight against the apartheid regime in South Africa.
Former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and former European Central Bank President Jean-Claude Trichet are among those who have been honored in the past by the Foreign Policy Association.