Canada to build military bases in disputed Arctic

[arsenal]

Originally Posted by Stranger

Hasn't it been brought up before by some politicians that Canada should make one of the carribean countries a territory of Canada? I read it a couple of years ago.

I think that was brought even in this thread

[Vulcan]

I think it was Bermuda that asked to join us a number of years ago, but our politicians are too scared to step up.

The search for the Northwest passage was the main reason for exploring Canada, until they discovered the fur trade and even spurred on explorers such as Mackenzie. It would be a shame for Canada to lose part of its birthright just as it's becoming viable.

[burn_this_city]

Originally Posted by Barnes

I saw a Rick Mercer segment on the Arctic Rangers. They take what they do seriously and all they really get is some gear and an old Lee Enfield.

Ya those rangers are something else... I would like to see alot of this money spent upgrading their weapons and vehicles.. they should be equipped with new snowmobiles and surveilience gear every couple of years. They are our best hope for securing the artic, how can you truly control a territory without people on the ground 365 days a year..?

[Sidney Crosby's Hat]

Originally Posted by Slava

There was a movement to get Canada to accept a Carribean island a couple of years ago (I want to say it was Turks and Caicos?). Anyway, it would have great vacation implications! I think that the problem was taxation standards and social program issues, but again I'm not too sure.

Here is the link, and it was Turks and Caicos:
http://www.canadiancontent.net/commtr/article_676.html

Canada should go for it. Think about how much better our national soccer team would get!

[Stranger]

Canada's wasted money on worse things. Lets start a petition to get this going.

[FlamesAddiction]

What are military bases really going to do against the Russians and Americans? Let's face it, if they want it bad enough, they will take it. We'd be better off establishing our sovereignty in the north by building research stations and actual settlements. They would stand as much of a chance.

The only other country trying to inch in on our territory is Denmark, who I think we can repel, with or without high arctic bases.

[Lanny_MacDonald]

The only country capable of protecting the region in question is the United States. The US will decide whether Canada maintains control over the NW passage and the riches of the pole. The Russians can plant all the flags they want, but they don't have the mojo to defend the region. The US can sink a couple of subs i there and blow anything out of the water they like. Canada will still control the region, but Canada will remain America's bitch and give up what ever the US wants, when ever it wants it. Sleeping with the elephant provides the mouse much protection, but it comes at great cost.

[Lanny_MacDonald]

Originally Posted by fotze

Like high paying jobs and year-round golf?

You know it baby!

[llama64]

Does it really matter who controls the territory? Why doesn't Canada enter into an economic arrangement with Russia to co-develop the resources up there. Makes sense to me if there is some economic value up there. Otherwise, whats the point in bitching over some frozen patch of ground?

Or are we all still supposed to hate the "commies" or something?