Did you know…

Canadian Polar Commission

Established in 1991 through a parliamentary act, the Canadian Polar Commission is the primary Canadian agency overseeing all polar research (Arctic and Antarctic).  Its mandate includes the continued support of knowledge development as to polar regions — most recently highlighted by its participation in the International Polar Year.

Acting as the managing body of Canadian polar research, the Commission periodically provides recommendations directly to parliament.  Recently, the commission advised the Canadian government to establish over a lifespan of twenty-five years a pan-northern network of research stations.  Rejuvenating existing research stations and developing new ones will enhance the infrastructure and the quality of northern research.  Of interest in the list of recommendations included replacing the Canadian Coast Guard vessels Louis St. Laurent and Amundsen (both provide invaluable “at sea” research platforms) when decommissioned with science-capable vessels.