On May 1, 2015, the European Union Centre of Excellence together with the Canadian Circumpolar Institute at the University of Alberta hosted a symposium and panel discussion on Canada-EU Arctic Dialogue: Resource Development and Governance.
With increasing global interest in the potential development of Arctic energy and natural resources, both Canada and the European Union have sharpened their focus on developing their respective Arctic strategies. Meeting the challenges of sustainable and responsible development in the Arctic will require Canada and the EU to engage with Arctic partners, including communities, and ensure dialogue between key stakeholders. This symposium is a contribution to this engagement and dialogue, culminating in a report. The day comprised three closed sessions under Chatham House rules, followed by a panel discussion open to a wider public and media audience. The symposium and panel addressed three sets of questions related to environmental and social impacts of resource development, corporate-community relations, and Arctic governance:
Environmental and social impacts of resource development
What are the environmental and social impacts of hydrocarbon development and mining in the Arctic? What is the nature of public participation and community consultation? What are best practices for social and environmental impact assessments and regulatory processes?
Corporate-community relations
As energy and resource development expands in the Arctic, how do we encourage, ensure and monitor best practice in community-corporate relations? How do oil, gas and mining companies build strong community engagement to secure and maintain a ‘social license’ to operate? What are the implications of resource development for the rights of indigenous and local communities?
Arctic governance
What are the most promising paths ahead—and the greatest challenges—for international cooperation in Arctic governance? What models of governance can best equip us to address key common challenges such as adaptation to climate change, resource competition and inclusive governance? How can strategic partnership between Canada and the EU help us better achieve these goals?
Watch the panel discussion on Canada-EU Arctic Dialogue, moderated by Dr. Mark Nuttall, Henry Marshall Tory Chair at the University of Alberta and EUCE Northern Theme Leader.