The UN’s sustainable development goal 17.14 in Canada: advancing policy coherence for sustainable development in the Arctic

Abstract

This dissertation examines Canada’s approach to sustainable development in the Arctic through Sustainable Development Goal 17.14, which fosters policy coherence for sustainable development (PCSD). In a context of climate change acceleration and increasing Arctic ice melting, the region faces several environmental, social, and economic challenges that can only be properly addressed through PCSD. Drawing from academic literature and policy documents, I evaluate Canada’s Arctic strategies, analyze Indigenous participation in Arctic governance, and explain the Arctic governance framework and its uselessness, mainly through the lens of the Arctic Council. Additionally, as a major Arctic nation, I explain Canada’s relevance regarding Arctic maritime activity and question whether geopolitics should influence the pursuit of sustainable development in the Arctic. I find that Canada has made exemplary progress regarding Arctic investments for the sustainable development of Indigenous communities and infrastructure, but has failed to regulate shipping activity in the Northwest Passage and has hindered Arctic cooperation by refusing to collaborate with Russia. I have therefore recommended that Canada lead the creation of an Arctic treaty that creates a binding governance system between Arctic states, suggests new shipping environmental regulations, and increases investments in scientific research. Failure to achieve PCSD will ultimately result in the Arctic’s environmental degradation and irreversible global harm.