Report

The Honourable Lorna Milne, Senator, led a Canadian delegation of two to the  meeting of the Standing Committee of Parliamentarians of the Arctic Region (the Standing Committee) held in Östersund, Sweden, 6 November 2008.  The other delegate was Mr. Massimo Pacetti. Accompanying the delegation was Mr. Tim Williams from the Parliamentary Information and Research Service of the Library of Parliament as advisor to the delegation. 

The Conference of Parliamentarians of the Arctic Region is a parliamentary body comprising delegations appointed by the national parliaments of the Arctic states (Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden, the United States of America) and the European Parliament. The conference also includes Permanent Participants representing Indigenous peoples, as well as observers. The conference meets every two years. The Eighth Conference was held in Fairbanks, Alaska, U.S.A., 12-14 August 2008.^[1]

Between conferences, Arctic parliamentary cooperation is carried on by the Standing Committee, which started its activities in 1994. The Conference and Standing Committee take initiatives to further Arctic cooperation, and act, in particular, as a parliamentary forum for issues relevant to the work of the Arctic Council. The Standing Committee takes part in the work of the Council as an observer.^[2]

 

MEETING SUMMARY

The Committee was informed that recommendations regarding the Sustained Arctic Observing Networks had not been finalised and so item 3 from the Agenda (Report on the Development of the IPY-Project Sustained Arctic Observing Network (SAON))

was deleted.  In addition, the delegate from the Russian Federation was, as a result of illness, unable to speak to item 5, the “New Policy of the Russian Federation in the Arctic.”  It was agreed to drop item 5 from the Agenda.

 

FOLLOW UP OF THE CONFERENCE OF ARCTIC PARLIAMENTARIANS IN FAIRBANKS 12-14 AUGUST 2008

Following the adoption of the Agenda (as amended) and the draft minutes of the Standing Committee meeting held at the Eighth Conference of Parliamentarians of the Arctic Region, the Standing Committee considered the success of the Conference and how to begin implementing the Conference statement.

A Swedish delegate stated that she felt that there had been less parliamentary participation at the Fairbanks conference than at the Seventh Conference (Kiruna, Sweden, 2006).  In addition, the delegate was disappointed that the conference statement did not contain more concrete proposals that parliamentarians could act upon in their respective parliaments.

The Chair (Norway) noted that preparing a delegation was important.  In Norway the preparation of members of the delegation included encouraging them to participate in order to decide each member’s focus for the conference.  She asked the Standing Committee to think about how best to implement the Fairbanks statement before its next meeting where a discussion of how to move forward could take place.

Various members of the Standing Committee stressed that it is essential for individual members of the Committee to promote the statement in their respective parliaments and with appropriate ministers of their governments.

 

THE DEMOGRAPHIC DEVELOPMENT IN THE ARCTIC REGION

Professor Peter Sköld from the Centre for Saami^[3] Research at Umeå University discussed demographic changes in Arctic populations with a focus on Saami populations in Sweden.

Before discussing some of the methodologies and results of demographic research, Professor Sköld began by placing such research into the context of the International Polar Year (IPY).^[4] In the past, large scale research in the Arctic has been focussed on natural sciences.  The IPY, however, has a very strong human dimension.  He noted that demographics is now linked to other social issues in particular remarking that it is one thing to be alive, another to be alive and healthy.

Umeå University has the largest demographic database in Europe. It extends back to 1749 when clergy were instructed to send information on 2500 parishes, including the age, sex, occupation and causes of death of their parishioners. Church registers also include information on vaccinations.

Until 1945, following the Second World War, the registries also included ethnicity. Within the Swedish context, a database of the indigenous Saami population has been constructed allowing cradle to grave analysis of individuals for over 200 years.  Such analysis is limited however, because the Saami were very mobile, so information from other countries with Saami (Norway, Finland and Russia) is needed for a complete picture. 

Professor Sköld discussed some of the results of analysis of the Saami database pertaining to mortality and disease.  Mortality rates were historically 2-4 times higher than the rest of Sweden but now are virtually the same.  Neonatal mortality was particularly high but changes in breast-feeding habits, access to health care and more favourable climates have decreased death rates around childbirth. Diseases have also been controlled. Saami continue to have higher death rates from accidents, but this is now due to vehicular accidents as opposed to freezing.

Regarding diseases, it was noted that smallpox rates were equivalent in Sweden as the rest of the world with 300 000 people dying in the last 50 years of the 18^th century.  However, though the Saami were exposed to smallpox, their mortality rates were lower.  The reasons for this were explained as a result of the Saami culture.  The Saami perceived the smallpox symptoms as an evil spirit and reacted by moving away from the region for years at a time.  In this case the Saami’s mobility gave them an unrecognized advantage over more sedentary populations.

The demographic analysis presented in the Arctic Human Development Report was discussed.^[5] Some points made included:

·                    There are 4 million people in the Arctic, almost half of whom are in the Russian Federation;^[6]

·                    Overall, Arctic populations are marked by declining fertility and high mortality;

·                    There is a high rate of non-natural deaths (suicide and murder for instance);

·                    There is a net loss of population due to migration;

·                    Arctic demographics are complex, with regions having distinct characteristics; and

·                    Data is often lacking, research is needed to improve this situation.

Examining the demographics of Saami populations is difficult because it is not easy to identify who are, in fact, Saami. Self identification ended after the Second World War.  Estimates therefore vary greatly. There are 8 000 registered Saami voters, but this is certainly an underestimate with other estimates being between 20 000 and 50 000. 

The need for more research was stressed. The results of such research would improve responses to indigenous, national and international scientific needs (historical and medical for instance) and improve general knowledge. In the circumpolar context international cooperation on research is necessary.  It was suggested that an Arctic census would be an opportunity to present a better profile and structure of the peoples of the Arctic.

            Discussion

The Committee continued with a lively discussion centred on the links between demography and other social issues, as Professor Sköld alluded to in his presentation. 

The head of the Canadian delegation,  after emphasising the importance of easing access to historical census records, pointed to a number of social issues in northern Canada that are linked to demographics. In northern Canada the demographic situation amongst aboriginals is different than much of the rest of the Arctic as outlined in the presentation, with fertility rates being very high leading to a very young population.  Amongst the young population suicide rates are horrifically high.  During the neonatal period, mothers were receiving conflicting advice on breastfeeding because breast milk is now contaminated with industrial pollutants while, on the other hand, there are well documented advantages to breastfeeding. Professor Sköld was asked if there were any studies that could clarify this problem. She concluded by stating that information gathering through an Arctic census would be valuable, but would face difficulties such as how to define the Arctic.

The Professor responded by acknowledging the dilemma faced by mothers and that the problem will only get worse as exploitation will increase pollution levels.  The young population of Canadian aboriginals in the Arctic is different from other countries, and the younger population’s desire for a “good life” was not easy to fulfil. He also noted that a possible census could start in traditional areas as a start, but if the focus of the census was on indigenous peoples it would have to be expanded to urban areas because, as was pointed out, that is where most indigenous people live.

He also noted that such a survey would not be possible in Sweden because the Saami by law cannot be identified. It was noted by a Saami delegate that the quantification of Saami numbers was a very sensitive question and that the history behind the sensitivity was a very important story.

Other Committee members noted the importance of following up on the Survey of Living Conditions in the Arctic (SLiCA).^[7] In Sweden, statistics had been collected but there were difficulties in the follow-up arising from a lack of funds and the need for international coordination and Saami approval.

Professor Sköld noted that competition for research money in Sweden was extremely fierce with only a 5% success rate overall and that SLiCA follow-up was not identified as a priority. Coordination of efforts was also lacking in Sweden.  Internationally the Professor saw an important role for the University of the Arctic.  Up until now the University has been focussed on education but it could take on more of a research role.

The Chair asked if the Committee should attempt to bring forward ideas on continued research to the Arctic Council as an IPY legacy project.  The professor agreed that various IPY projects that studied the interaction of people with pollution, climate change and traditional knowledge could be continued.  He also made note of an IPY study on the interaction between integration, assimilation and health issues.  Life expectancy may go up but this result may be being achieved at the sacrifice of culture and traditional economies. Continuation of such studies would improve the quality of the results.

A member from Sweden suggested that a national Saami centre with secure funding would be a valuable asset as would making Sweden a more active participant in the University of the Arctic.

In conclusion, the Chair noted that the interest shown by the Standing Committee in the Professor’s presentation is a reflection of its deep interest in the human dimension of the Arctic, not just energy, climate change and natural sciences as represented by the iconic polar bears.

 

RECENT AND FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS IN THE NORTHERN DIMENSION COOPERATION

The Northern Dimension of European Union policy^[8] was established in the late 1990s as a European Union (EU) policy intended to deal with issues concerning western Russia, as well as to increase general cooperation among the EU, Iceland and Norway. It has since become a multilateral, equal partnership among the EU, Iceland, Norway and Russia. Canada and the United States are observers to the partnership.

The Parliamentary Conference on the New Northern Dimension Policy, held from 28 February to 1 March 2007, concluded that a recurrent Northern Dimension Parliamentary Forum should be held every two years in order to discuss issues of common concern and examine the evolution of the new Northern Dimension policy. The first Forum is to be held in Brussels in February 2009. Mr Henrik Olsen from the European Parliament reported on preparations for the Forum noting that it will likely have two pillars; the Arctic and the Baltic.

A Standing Committee member from Sweden noted that the two pillars were a good start. She stressed, in a similar manner as comments made regarding the Fairbanks statement, that the outcome of the conference should include 2 or 3 priority, concrete actions that parliamentarians could implement. 

A delegate from the Russian Federation noted that what he felt was necessary was an Arctic Parliamentary Forum, not an EU policy since the EU is not all Arctic.  The framework for such a forum was proposed by him two years previously^[9] but the Standing Committee had not acted upon it.

The Chair emphasized that the New Northern Dimension was not an EU policy, but a partnership and that countries had not supported the idea of another forum for discussing Arctic issues. She emphasized that the Standing Committee should work hard to make its mark on the Northern Dimension.

 

THE RESULTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE IN THE ÖSTERSUND REGION

Dr. Ingemar Näslund, head of environmental monitoring for the administration of the County of Jämtland (of which Östersund is the capital) discussed the importance of establishing well understood and cost-efficient indicators of climate change for the region.  These indicators can provide the basis for climate change actions, both reducing emissions (mitigation) and adaptation.

For the County of Jämtland, focus has been on the mountain regions as they provide a range of climate-related limits established by altitude that can be easily monitored.  Monitoring biodiversity in particular has been a valuable tool as it is relatively inexpensive and easy for people to comprehend.  Species that have been chosen for monitoring include the Arctic fox, lemming, Gyr falcon, reindeer and grouse.

In addition, the tree line is an important statistic.  In the period 1975 to 2007 mountain birch, spruce and pine increased their range by 19m, 55m and 39m respectively.  Peak altitude for some plants such as blueberries has also increased, now being found above 1000m, though this occurrence is rare.

The county is also focused on wind energy research in order to understand better the effects on ecosystems and society.  The area has a fairly large tourist industry and understanding potential impact on tourism is important.

Dr. Andreas Gyllenhammar continued the presentation by stressing the importance of communicating information about climate change at the local level in an understandable way. The County administration publishes reports on climate-related changes in the region using statistics to which people can relate.  Timing and size of floods, water clarity, freezing and ice break-up data and days of snow cover are included.  In 80 years it has been estimated that days with snow cover will be reduced to 0-100 days from the current 180 days, which would have a significant impact on people’s lives.

It is also important for people to recognise the economic importance of ecosystem services.  The example of New York City protecting natural water filtration by investing in forest restoration upstream of the city, rather than in downstream water purification, as a cheaper means to the same end was discussed.  In the County region, water quality and quantity, food (particularly through pollinators), and culture are all supported by ecosystem services.

            Discussion

The Chair suggested that opportunities may arise from rising temperatures for which the region might have to ready itself.  The presenters agreed, giving possibilities of faster growing forests (dependent on other factors such as insect infestations) and different tourist opportunities as examples.

The Swedish member of the Standing Committee commented on the difficulties of reconciling new energy projects such as wind with multiple other uses of the land including natural, economic and cultural, particularly regarding Saami.  In response, the presenters noted that in Jämtland a decision has been made to close the mountains to wind energy in order to conserve them for other uses.  Greater acceptance of wind energy projects has come from involving forest companies and by using cooperative models of investment.

The Committee asked for advice on how parliamentarians can communicate information on climate change.  As the presenters had stressed during their talk, they suggested keeping the response regional using understandable examples.

 

 

IMPLENTATION OF THE KIRUNA STATEMENT

A Russian Federation delegate expressed disappointment in the implementation of the Kiruna Statement (Conference of Parliamentarians of the Arctic Region, Kiruna, Sweden, 2-4 August 2006) specifically referring to the following paragraph:

Ask the Standing Committee of Parliamentarians of the Arctic Region to:

         46.  Consider to review the Rules of Procedure for the Standing Committee before the next conference in 2008 in order to improve the working methods;

The delegate from the Russian Federation also expressed disappointment at the lack of progress at implementing paragraph 16 of the Kiruna Statement in which the Conference asked Governments in the Arctic Region and the Institutions of the European Union to:

         16.  Conduct under the auspices of the UN, by the end of IPY in 2008, an international conference “The Arctic – a region of global cooperation.”

Further, the delegate, making reference to the current discussion of Saami demographics (described above), felt that the Standing Committee was not concentrating on the major issues. He felt that the presentations were overly narrow (for instance concentrating just on the Saami) and did not prepare the Standing Committee for discussions.

Further discussion at the meeting hinged on implementation of paragraph 46.  In the end it was emphasised that each member of the Standing Committee had a role to play in improving how the Committee operates and it was decided that the Secretary General should be asked to report on making rules of procedure more efficient.

 

STATUS OF THE WORK OF SCPAR

Delegates were invited to report on their country’s work with respect to SCPAR. See the attached draft minutes (Appendix 1) for a summary of interventions.

During the discussion the head of the Canadian delegation voiced clear support for the West Nordic Council’s statements in support of sustainable harvesting of seals. In Canada, the seal hunt supports not just indigenous populations, but numerous isolated communities in Newfoundland and Labrador and along the lower St. Lawrence River.

The Canadian delegation was interested in the Russian Federation proposal to discuss the demarcation of frontiers in the Arctic at the Standing Committee. Though unclear, the delegate was presumably referring to the system set up under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea for establishing the extended continental shelf. With respect to the continental shelf, coastal states enjoy sovereign rights of exploration and exploitation of mineral and other non-

living natural resources of the seabed and subsoil and of living organisms belonging to sedentary species. The rights in the continental shelf do not include rights to fisheries and other living resources in the water column above the seabed.^[10]  The claims regarding the extended continental shelf therefore have important economic implications, particularly as the sea ice diminishes.

A Canadian delegate noted that the 14 October 2008 election had returned the Conservative Party of Canada to power with a stronger minority.  Not being a member of the governing party, he could not speak to the government’s position but he noted that all three national parties had put northern issues on their agendas.  He noted that the newly appointed Health Minister was from one of Canada’s northern territories. Canada relies heavily on natural resources and has a strong, conservative banking system and had so far escaped the worst of the global financial crisis.

 

NEXT MEETING

It was agreed that the next meeting of the Standing Committee would take place 25 February 2009, tentatively from 09.00 – 12.00, in the European Parliament, Brussels, just prior to the First Parliamentary Forum for the Northern Dimension to be held 25-26 February.

 

 

Respectfully submitted,