Arctic Sovereignty – Myths & Reality

Introduction

With climate change and global warming the Arctic has become a topic of great interest to international law, global affairs, and public policy professionals as well as the general public. Regrettably there are a number of very important myths which have developed regarding the Canadian Arctic and particularly the fabled Northwest Passage.

The purpose of this talk was to address each of these myths and to shed light on the reality of the situation. HE Sanford gave a lively and impassioned talk and blamed the myths on the failure of the mass media and others to fully understand international legal principles and their propensity to sensationalize the impact of climate change in the Arctic.

The seminar, which was open to the public, was attended by the diplomatic community, legal and maritime policy officials, members of law firms, members of the shipping community, and academia and students.

About the Speaker

HE Wendell Sanford is Canada’s High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam. Wendell Sanford was from 2004 – 2008 first Deputy Director and then Director of the Oceans and Environmental Law Division of the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade. He is a barrister who studied at Dalhousie University Halifax, Canada under Douglas Johnston, a former professor at the University of Singapore Law School.

In addition to his law degree, Mr Sanford also holds bachelors degrees in Political Science and Secondary Education and a Masters in Public Policy from the University of Victoria, Wellington, New Zealand. Earlier in his career, Mr Sanford spent 21 years as a Naval Reserve Officer in the Canadian Armed Forces.

Among Mr Sanford’s responsibilities in Brunei, is the monitoring of issues involving the South China Sea. In consequence, he remains closely involved with similar issues in Canada which involve the Arctic.