Resources and leadership

This week, we look at Canada’s claims to the Arctic and at the economic challenge facing Britain’s Labour party.

New Arctic waters

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper is currently taking his annual summer tour of the Far North. The prime minister wants to make it clear that Canada is an Arctic power, but is prepared to cooperate with the US, Russia and other northern neighbours. The issue is important, writes The Toronto Star, because the Arctic is rich in mineral resources — but the needs of the local population must also be considered.

… Harper seems to envisage Canada and the U.S. collaborating in the Arctic Council … to advance a North American agenda on the resource-rich continental shelf, waterways and other issues. Canada chairs the council starting in 2013 for two years, followed by the U.S. That gives us leverage as the UN weighs claims to the region. … Ottawa should make good on promises to upgrade social infrastructure: housing, health care, skills. Empowering Arctic communities is the best way to affirm our claims.

Redefining Labour

Following their election defeat, the British Labour party is seeking a new leader. Gordon Brown’s successor will have a difficult job, according to the Financial Times. He or she will have to redefine the party.

The economic crisis cost the Labour party far more than an election. It also deprived the party of the message that won it power three times: namely that the proceeds of economic growth should be used to make up for years of underspending on public services. With the deficit ballooning and growth sluggish, this strategy is no longer credible. The next Labour leader must articulate nothing less than a new strategy. …