The chief of the nationwide group representing Inuit says the Conservative chief trivialized Inuit and everybody who lives within the Arctic with a “Santa Claus” social media quip criticizing Ottawa’s plans to nominate an Arctic ambassador.
In a submit printed on-line over the weekend, Conservative Chief Pierre Poilievre questioned the usefulness of the diplomatic submit.
“Arctic ambassador? To do diplomacy with who? Santa Claus🎅?” Poilievre posted.
Natan Obed, president of the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK), referred to as Poilievre’s submit a glib remark that means a lack of awareness.
“It implies there’s an empty house that is not stuffed by folks and a necessity for diplomacy with a myriad of companions,” Obed mentioned.
Arctic ambassador? To do diplomacy with who? Santa Claus🎅?
The Liberals have did not defend Canada’s Arctic for 9 years, and now they suppose the Russians and Chinese language are going to be afraid to ship submarines and spy balloons as a result of we’ve despatched one other bureaucrat as much as sit in… pic.twitter.com/nKfhX10fo2
The Conservative authorities below Stephen Harper ended the position of Arctic ambassador in 2006. Underneath a brand new Arctic foreign policy co-developed with Inuit leaders, together with Obed, the federal authorities is planning to convey the diplomatic place again.
It is not clear if Poilievre would preserve the revived submit or proceed with the brand new coverage’s plans to open consulates in Nuuk, Greenland and Anchorage, Alaska.
“The Liberals have did not defend Canada’s Arctic for 9 years, and now they suppose the Russians and Chinese language are going to be afraid to ship submarines and spy balloons as a result of we have despatched one other bureaucrat as much as sit in an workplace within the territories,” Poilievre mentioned in his weekend submit.
Conservatives double down
Obed mentioned diplomacy within the Arctic does matter and Canada must do a greater job at it.
“Having weapons and bombs and icebreakers just isn’t actually the one approach through which we’re going to keep protected as a rustic,” he mentioned.
“The Conservative chief, via that remark, would not appear to understand the significance of diplomacy with different Arctic states, or those that have an curiosity within the Canadian Arctic. And that may be a very regarding assertion to have, particularly for someone who very not too long ago was in Iqaluit and hung out with Inuit.”
Obed mentioned there’s lot occurring within the Arctic diplomatic house.
The U.S. not too long ago appointed Alaskan Michael Sfraga as ambassador-at-large for Arctic affairs. Greenland plans to open a consulate in Ottawa throughout the subsequent 5 years. The Embassy of Denmark in Canada often speaks to ITK and the Inuit Circumpolar Council, mentioned Obed.
He mentioned he hopes the brand new diplomatic appointment will work with Canada’s allies to cease overseas interference and forestall navy aggression or posturing within the area.
In a press release issued to CBC Information, Conservative northern affairs and Arctic sovereignty critic Bob Zimmer doubled down on criticism of the Liberal authorities and blamed the NDP for propping it up.
“Opening overseas workplaces and appointing a brand new bureaucrat just isn’t going to repair our navy or convey financial improvement and alternative to people who find themselves struggling below the NDP-Liberals’ disastrous insurance policies,” Zimmer mentioned.
“Frequent sense Conservatives will rebuild our navy, so that they have the aptitude to function within the far North and safeguard our Arctic sovereignty.”
Zimmer accused Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of not taking nationwide safety severely, particularly given the Russian presence within the Arctic, and of not assembly NORAD commitments.
Obed mentioned the ITK will attain out to the Conservative Celebration for additional dialogue.
He mentioned he stays able to work with all events.
“However members of Parliament have to respect the pursuits within the Canadian Arctic, and particularly Inuit,” Obed mentioned.
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