Transport Canada has reduced its Arctic surveillance operations this summer for pollution, endangered whale protection, and marine safety, according to information obtained by CBC News. This decision to limit overflights coincides with heightened political and national security attention on the region and follows a commitment made five years ago to deploy a drone for enhanced vigilance.
Leaked documents and sources reveal that senior officials within the department opted for a “reactive posture” for the National Aerial Surveillance Program (NASP) in the Arctic region. As stated by the department’s acting director general of aircraft services in a note obtained by CBC News, there will be no presence in the Arctic unless there is a specific operational requirement.
Transport Canada has confirmed that aircraft will only be dispatched to the Far North in case of an emergency or operational necessity. According to Hicham Ayoun, a Transport Canada spokesperson, NASP remains prepared to respond to incidents as needed.
The decision to take a reactive approach is linked to constraints on pilot overtime, delays in acquiring a planned drone program, and issues with an older Dash 7 turboprop aircraft, as indicated in the documents. While Ayoun acknowledged the overtime restrictions, he denied that they had any impact on the surveillance program’s effectiveness.
Transport Canada had planned to purchase an Israeli-made Hermes 900 Starliner drone for Arctic surveillance but faced pressure to cancel the purchase, including a campaign by pro-Palestinian groups. Despite ongoing delays, the contract for the drone remains active.
In addition to the aging Dash 7 aircraft, NASP possesses two newer Dash 8 turboprop patrol planes, with plans to acquire a third. The Arctic region’s growing geopolitical significance, with increased activity by countries like China and Russia, underscores the importance of surveillance operations.
The Arctic has become a focal point of concern due to the changing climate, leading to more navigable waters in the summer. Reports indicate a rise in ship traffic in Canadian Arctic waters, with an increase in the number of vessels entering the region over the past decade.
As maritime activities in the Arctic intensify, experts emphasize the importance of maintaining surveillance efforts to safeguard national sovereignty and security. Despite the challenges posed by the region’s remoteness and increasing risks, some are surprised by the decision to scale back surveillance flights given the recent emphasis on Arctic security and surveillance.
