The Antarctic is legally designated a “natural reserve devoted to peace and science” (after final ratification of the Environmental Protection Protocol to the Antarctic Treaty). Its status as a global wilderness area and scientific laboratory has been confirmed. But what of the Arctic? The approach taken by the littoral states has been assertive and heavily focused on the exploitation of natural resources, establishing national footprints, ‘use it or lose it’. All rather 19th Century, in short. That is a matter of concern to the whole international community, because we share one planet, one atmosphere, one biosphere...Is the Arctic Council and UNLOSC enough? What should we be doing, collectively, to help safeguard our common inheritance in the Arctic?

Anthony Joyce Cary, C.M.G, has been Britain’s High Commissioner in Canada since February 2007. He read English Language and Literature at Oxford University and joined the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office in 1973. Prior to taking up his current appointment he served as Ambassador to Sweden and before that as Chef de Cabinet to Chris Patten, European Commissioner for External Relations, in Brussels. His career has also included postings in Berlin, Kuala Lumpur and Washington.

The meeting will be held in the Astra Lounge on the entrance level of the RCAF Officers Mess, 158 Gloucester Street (just east of Bank Street), Ottawa. Parking is available on the street and in nearby parking lots. There is a charge of $3.00 for evening use of the parking lot in the same block as the Mess. The meeting begins at 2000 hrs and the bar will be available from 1930 hrs. As always, guests are welcome.

Next meetings:

Dec 8: Dr Anna Banerji on Inuit children’s health
Jan 12: Annual General Meeting; Dr Luke Copland on the ice shelves of northern Ellesmere

Thomas Frisch
Secretary
(613 725-2221)
tfrisch@sympatico.ca