The Canadian government presented on Tuesday a 10-year strategic plan for the Arctic region of the country, which includes a strengthening of the military presence in that area of abundant natural resources.
The region has oil deposits and forests, while offering one of the largest maritime shortcuts between Europe and Asia through the Northwest passage, in the Canadian Arctic archipelago.
"Canada remains committed to exercising its sovereignty" on that step that other countries, including the United States, consider as international waters, indicates a government document.
"There is a growing international interest and greater rivalry in the Canadian Arctic by state and non-state actors that are trying to benefit from the region's numerous natural resources and strategic position," the text adds.
"Climate change, together with technological advances, has facilitated access to that region," he adds.
Given this situation, one of the major objectives of the plan is "to increase the military presence in the Arctic and in the north," according to the government.
The document states that in 2017 there was a 22% increase in maritime traffic through the Canadian Arctic compared to the previous year, when the first modern foreign cruise ship crossed the Northwest Passage with 1,000 passengers on board.
Canada will hold its national elections on October 21. The Liberal Party of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau leads the polls with a 38% intention to vote, ahead of the Conservative Party (34%).
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