On his recent visit to Nunavut, Defence Minister Gordon O'Connor confirmed the Conservative government's election promise to build a deep-sea port in Canada's North.  Such an undertaking will bring tremendous economic benefits to the chosen location.  So, not unexpectedly, the competition has begun.

N.W.T. Premier Joe Handley wants Ottawa to build its new deep sea port at the northern coastal community of Tuktoyaktuk instead of somewhere in Nunavut.

During the election campaign, the Conservative government promised to build a port in Nunavut to increase the military's presence in the North. It is considering seven possible locations, including Iqaluit.

As the story says, Tuktoyaktuk is in Northwest Territories, not Nunavut.  In Tuk's favour is the fact that the community of 1,000 is actually located on the Northwest Passage, the focus of immediate concern with regard to Canada's claims to sovereignty over northern waters.  Other possible sites, including Iqaluit, are not.

As retired Col. Pierre Leblanc, former commander of the Canadian Forces in the North, points out, however, Tuktoyaktuk has a decisive disadvantage.

"One of the concerns with Tuk is that it's built on permafrost and it's melting away," said Leblanc.  "They would have to do appropriate studies to find a place that is secure enough to build that port so that it doesn't disappear in five years."

Col Leblanc recommends Resolute Bay, located on Cornwallis Island almost 1,600 kilometres north of Iqaluit.  That’s the same place where Mr O’Connor said he wants to build a northern military training centre.

It is hoped that a decision will be announced by the end of this year.

Previous related posts: