WARMING CLIMATE DAMAGES NORTHERN ROADS

Abstract

Canadians are increasingly aware of the needs and opportunities of northern Canada. Communities in the North need additional support in terms of health care, education, employment opportunities, and the high cost of living. Meanwhile, the economic importance of the North is increasing rapidly through development of mineral, petrocarbon, and hydroelectric resources. Reduction of ice cover in the Arctic Ocean is expected to lead to additional shipping in and out of northern ports. New roads are being planned over difficult terrain in Yukon Territory, Northwest Territory, Nunavut, northern Manitoba and northern Quebec. The only rail line in the North - to Churchill on the shores of Hudson’Bay - needs major repairs.