On Tuesday, Canada and the United States announced their intention to establish a working group to negotiate a border dispute in the Arctic. In a joint statement, the two countries indicated that the working group would focus on discussions regarding the maritime boundary in the Beaufort Sea, with particular emphasis on resolving the overlap of the continental shelf in the central Arctic Ocean. According to the statement, the area in question lies north of Alaska, Yukon, and the Northwest Territories.
“Canada and the United States will work collaboratively toward a final agreement that will provide clarity on our Arctic maritime boundaries, bearing in mind the responsible conservation and sustainable use of Arctic resources for the mutual benefit of Americans and Canadians, including Indigenous Peoples,” the statement continued. Additionally, it was noted that the working group is expected to commence negotiations this fall.
