Report

INTRODUCTION

Mr. Larry Bagnell, as Member of Parliament, represented Canada at the meeting of the Standing Committee of Parliamentarians of the Arctic Region (the Standing Committee or SCPAR)[1] held in Kiruna, Sweden, from 13 to 14 May 2018. Mr. Larry Bagnell was elected Vice-Chair of the Standing Committee in March 2016. Accompanying Mr. Larry Bagnell was Mr. Thai Nguyen, from the Parliamentary Information and Research Service of the Library of Parliament as adviser.

Arctic parliamentary cooperation is facilitated by the Standing Committee between biennial meetings of the Conference of Parliamentarians of the Arctic Region (CPAR).[2] CPAR and the Standing Committee act as a parliamentary forum for issues relevant to the work of the Arctic Council. It comprises delegations from the eight Arctic states (Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden, the United States) and the European Parliament. CPAR and SCPAR also include Permanent Participants representing Indigenous peoples, as well as observers.

MEETING AT THE ESRANGE SPACE CENTRE

On 13 May 2018, SCPAR members held a meeting at the Esrange Space Centre (ESS).[3] The ESS has been operating since 1966 and is used by the international scientific community for “launching sounding rockets for microgravity and atmospheric research as well as high-altitude balloons for astronomy, atmospheric research and drop tests of space and aerial vehicles.”[4]

The ESS is also one of the world’s largest civilian satellite ground stations and acts as a hub in the Swedish Space Corporation’s global satellite station network. The network features core and collaborative partner satellite stations located around the world, including a ground station in Inuvik, Northwest Territories.[5] The ESS’s location is particularly advantageous for accessing polar-orbiting satellites and, when used in combination with the station in Inuvik, provides complete coverage opportunities for polar orbiting missions. Kiruna is, in fact, at approximately the same latitude as Inuvik (68 degrees North).

SCPAR members discussed about cooperation in space. For example, Canada and Sweden are part of the HEMERA consortium. This collaboration between space agencies providers in Europe and Canada allows the conduct of joint research and technology development activities in areas such as the Arctic and climate change. It should be noted that the current Chair (Finland) of the Arctic Council has identified the need for greater cooperation among Arctic states to improve monitoring on land, at sea, in the atmosphere and in space for better management of climate and water-related risks in the Arctic.

MEETING AT LKAB MINE

On 14 May 2018, SCPAR members met at LKAB mine, the European Union’s largest iron ore producer.[6] LKAB is wholly owned by the Swedish state and mines around 78% of all iron ore within the European Union. LKAB representatives explained to SCPAR members the importance of innovation, resource-efficiency and corporate social responsibility for the mining industry in the Arctic. According to LKAB representatives, sustainable mining includes making a positive contribution to the development of an attractive community in close partnership with residents, authorities and other enterprises.

LKAB’s continued mining will demand more and more land. The location of the orebodies and mining at greater depths mean that communities need to be moved as the mining operations expand. The orebody for the Kiruna mine consists of a slab of magnetite that inclines steeply underneath the built community, and a new town centre is to be established to the north-east of the current urban area. Most of the central area of Kiruna will be affected. SCPAR members had the opportunity to learn and observe visually this gradual urban transformation. Certain buildings of great cultural heritage value will be preserved and relocated to new sites.

SUMMARY OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE’S MEETING AT KIRUNA’S CITY HALL

A. TRANSFORMING COMMUNITIES IN THE ARCTIC: THE SWEDISH EXPERIENCE   

Ambassador Bjorn Lyrvall, Sweden’s Senior Arctic Official to the Arctic Council, emphasized the importance of the Arctic as a zone of cooperation and peace despite conflicts taking place in other parts of the world. In his view, all Arctic states share common challenges in the region and enhanced cooperation is key for developing economic prosperity for Arctic residents. Given the pace of climate change in the Arctic and its effects on Arctic infrastructure and society, Ambassador Bjorn Lyrvall highlighted the importance of developing adaptation strategies and tools, and the sharing of information and best practices across the Arctic. He also mentioned that the legally binding Agreement on Enhancing International Arctic Scientific Cooperation, negotiated under the auspices of the Arctic Council, will enter into force on 23 May 2018.[7]

Mr. Lars Bäckström, Head of Kiruna’s Urban Development Department, indicated that Arctic states face similar challenges regarding climate change and natural resources development. He added that, despite the economic importance of the LKAB mine for Kiruna, the municipality understands the need for economic diversification. Therefore, Kiruna has developed the Esrange space industry, tourism and the preservation of reindeer herding and Sami culture. Mr. Lars Bäckström also identified local workforce readiness as a challenge for Sweden’s Arctic region. In his view, education is key to ensure local employment instead of relying on a fly-in fly-out workforce.

Mr. Håkan Wiklund, Senior Adviser on the County Administrative Board of Norrbotten, pointed out that Sweden is embarking on studies to identify fields in which its Arctic region can be competitive nationally and on the global scale. He mentioned opportunities in the film industry, car testing and research and development, and data centres.

Kiruna’s urban transformation resulting from the expansion of the LKAB mining operations was an issue that generated many discussions among SCPAR members. The transformation is expected to affect an estimated 10,000 people by 2035. A total of around 5,000 homes and 700,000 square metres of residential and other premises will be moved or replaced during this period. Mr. Mats Nilsson, Head of Kiruna’s Sustainability and Development Department, indicated that the urban transformation creates unique opportunities for developing a new sustainable and smart city in the Arctic environment. The Kiruna Sustainability Centre was established to devise innovative solutions for this urban transformation.

SCPAR members heard a contrasting view from Mr. Per-Olof Nutti of the Sami Parliament of Sweden. He provided members with the Sami reindeer herders’ perspective of Kiruna’s urban transformation. Mr. Per-Olof Nutti indicated that reindeer herds’ migration routes and Sami culture have been greatly affected by the municipality’s transformation and mining operations. The issue of meaningful consultation of Sami people living in Sweden’s Arctic was also mentioned by Mr. Per-Olof Nutti, especially in light of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

B. 2018 CONFERENCE OF PARLIAMENTARIANS OF THE ARCTIC REGION IN FINLAND   

Ms. Katri Kulmuni, Member of Parliament from Finland, informed SCPAR members that preparations are underway for the biennial CPAR in Inari from 16-19 September 2018. The draft CPAR program and logistics information were circulated to all members. Mr. Larry Bagnell has been designated as rapporteur for the third session on the theme of corporate social responsibility. Mr. Larry Bagnell has also been nominated as Chair of the fourth session on the theme of social well-being with a member from Russia as rapporteur.

Mr. Eirik Sivertsen, Chair of SCPAR and Member of Parliament from Norway, reminded members that the 2018 CPAR will also mark the 25^th anniversary of CPAR/SCPAR.

Members then proceeded to discuss the draft Conference Statement to be adopted in Inari. Additional amendments were suggested by different delegations, including Canada, to version 2 of the draft. Version 3 of the draft Conference Statement will be circulated to members by the Secretariat before the summer.

C. UPDATES BY MEMBERS   

1. Canada   

Mr. Larry Bagnell updated SCPAR members on Arctic-related activities in Canada since the last SCPAR meeting in Reykjavik, in October 2017.[8]

• Use of Indigenous Languages in Proceedings of the House of Commons

Mr. Larry Bagnell indicated to SCPAR members that he is the Chair of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs. That committee is currently examining the use of Indigenous languages in proceedings of the House. The study will focus on the prospect of introducing simultaneous interpretation when Indigenous languages are spoken during parliamentary proceedings.

• Canada’s New Arctic Policy Framework

Mr. Larry Bagnell informed members that the Government of Canada is developing a new Arctic Policy Framework[9] to replace Canada’s 2009 Northern Strategy and 2010 Statement on Arctic Foreign Policy. The new Framework is “co-developed in collaboration with Indigenous, territorial and provincial partners,” and is expected to be completed in 2018.

Six themes have been identified by the federal government as part of the new Arctic Policy Framework:

- Arctic infrastructure;

- Arctic people and communities;

- sustainable and diversified Arctic economies;

- Arctic science and Indigenous knowledge;

- protecting the environment and conserving Arctic biodiversity; and

- the Arctic in the global context.

• Senate Special Committee on the Arctic

Mr. Larry Bagnell explained to SCPAR members that, although the Canadian House of Commons does not have a committee devoted specifically to Arctic issues, in late 2017, the Senate of Canada established a Special Committee on the Arctic (special committee) with the mandate to consider “significant and rapid changes to the Arctic, and impacts on original inhabitants.”[10] The special committee started its work in February 2018 and plans to release reports related to each of the six themes that the federal government has identified as part of its new Arctic Policy Framework. As one of the themes pertains to the global context, circumpolar Arctic cooperation and the work of the Arctic Council are expected to be studied by the special committee.

• Arctic Winter Games

Mr. Larry Bagnell informed SCPAR members that, from 18-24 March 2018, the biennial Arctic Winter Games were held in Hay River and Fort Smith, Northwest Territories.[11] This year’s Games featured 2,000 athletes belonging to circumpolar delegations from Alaska, Greenland, the Canadian Arctic, Sapmi (region traditionally inhabited by the Sami people in northern Europe), and Yamal (Russia).

The Arctic Winter Games is a sport competition for Arctic athletes and celebrates circumpolar sport, social exchanges and cultures. The inclusion of Indigenous traditional sports is a unique feature of the Games in that they promote a sharing culture, something often not seen in competitive sports events. The 2020 Arctic Winter Games will be held in Whitehorse, Yukon.[12]

• First University in the Canadian Arctic

Mr. Larry Bagnell indicated to SCPAR members that Canada does not currently have a university in its Arctic region. However, it has three colleges, one in each of its Arctic territories: Yukon College, Aurora College and Nunavut Arctic College. One of these colleges is in the process of transition into a full university. It is expected that, by the spring of 2020, Whitehorse will become the host of the first university in the Canadian Arctic: Yukon University.

The design of the university curriculum is inspired from experience and educational structures of other circumpolar nations. Over the next five years there are plans to create three degree programs for the university: a Bachelor of Arts in Indigenous Governance, a Bachelor of Business Administration, and a third which is yet to be determined.

The university will focus on three specific areas:

- climate change, the society and the environment;

- sustainable resource development and innovation; and

- Indigenous self-determination and governance.

2. Iceland   

Ms. Lineik Anna Saevarsdottir informed SCPAR members that Iceland will assume the Chairmanship of the Arctic Council in 2019. Priorities for the Icelandic chairmanship will be discussed with the current Chair (Finland). She also indicated that the Icelandic government has started consulting stakeholders in Iceland regarding themes and priorities for the country’s chairmanship of the Arctic Council.

3. Russia   

Senator Igor Chernyshenko informed SCPAR members that, subsequent to the Russian presidential elections, the incoming government has not been constituted yet. However, he does not foresee changes to Russia’s Arctic priorities: development of the Northern Sea Route, Arctic economic development, and the Yamal LNG project in Sabetta. Senator Igor Chernyshenko also indicated that Russia will enhance cooperation with China in Arctic oil and gas exploration and development. He added that Russia will build three new icebreakers for operations in the Northern Sea Route.

The Senator also invited fellow parliamentarians to the International Women Parliamentarians Forum to be held in St. Petersburg from 12-16 September 2018.

D. FUTURE MEETINGS OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE    

The next meeting of the Standing Committee is scheduled for 16 to 19 September 2018 in Inari, Finland as part of the biennial CPAR. Russia will host the Standing Committee’s winter meeting in Naryan-Mar in November/December 2018.

Respectfully submitted,

Mr. Scott Simms, MP

Canada-Europe Parliamentary Association