News from the North

Happy Black History Month! We join the global movement celebrating the month, and recognize the contributions of Black Canadians in shaping Canadian identify and history. Just as Black History Month has bilateral roots, our ongoing efforts to make the world safer and more prosperous are grounded in our partnership with the U.S. Read on to learn more.

Celebrating the Global Fragility Act

The Embassy of Canada and Mercy Corps marked the passage of the Global Fragility Act, acknowledging bipartisan support in Congress on humanitarian and development issues. What is the Global Fragility Act, you may ask? And why is the Government of Canada involved? This legislation asks a number of U.S. agencies to develop a strategy to tackle growing levels of violence and instability around the world, and it authorizes the government to spend $230 million per year for the next five years to prevent conflicts. Fundamentally, this new policy aligns with Canada’s Peace and Stabilization Operations Program, our Feminist International Assistance Policy, and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Read more about the Government of Canada’s approach to international development, how we work with the United States, and the role of organizations like Mercy Corps.  

Looking North

Martin Loken, Minister of Political Affairs at the Embassy of Canada, participated in the Atlantic Council’s “Looking North: Conference on Security in the Arctic,” organized with the Norwegian Ministry of Defence and the Royal Norwegian Embassy. As part of a panel discussion on “Evolving Security: Understanding Allied Perspectives on the Arctic,” Martin explained Canada continues to be present, ready, informed; and is working with allies to ensure the Arctic remains a region of peace and stability. He told the audience:

For centuries, we’ve marveled at the ingenuity of the igloo design, which incorporates principles of physics and thermodynamics to create an optimal shelter from the elements. This past year, representatives of the armed forces of some of our NATO Allies and other partners converged in Resolute Bay to learn survival tactics from the Canadian Rangers, including a crash course in building igloos.

Igloos in Canada. How very stereotypical, you might think. But they are more than important survival tools.

They are symbols for our approach to the Arctic. Thick building blocks of snow, beveled, trimmed, and angled inward in a parabolic spiral. The blocks lean on each other to create a secure shelter. They represent the various components of our safety, security, and defence in the Arctic, which are critical in light of increased international attention.

Read on to learn more about the three blocks - presence, capability, and awareness - and how they help secure our Arctic regions.
 

Taking Action on Opioids

In June, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and President Trump agreed our two countries need to work together to stem the growing number of opioid-related deaths on both sides of the border by developing a joint action plan. In a statement issued following a meeting at the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, Canada agreed, together, we will boost collaboration to combat opioids trafficking, including fentanyl and other synthetic opioids, and address the health consequences of problematic opioid use through public health, law enforcement, and border security cooperation, as well as share information and best practices. Read our fact sheet on how we are working with the U.S. to fight the opioid crisis.

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