Canada and the US to discuss negotiations on the Beaufort Sea boundary dispute
Canada and the United States have formed a task force to negotiate a boundary dispute in the Arctic.
There has been a longstanding disagreement between the two countries over a section of the Beaufort Sea, stemming from a treaty dating back to 1825.
According to a joint statement, the task force will focus on resolving conflicting claims in the area located north of Alaska, Yukon, and the Northwest Territories.
Last year, the U.S submitted a continental shelf claim to a United Nations agency that overlaps with Canada’s claim to control a significant portion of the Beaufort Sea floor.
Both Canada and the U.S. have committed to starting negotiations this autumn with the aim of reaching a final agreement that will provide clarity on the boundaries.
The Arctic has become a focal point for both countries due to heightened strategic competition in the region.
Related Stories
The statement emphasizes that the task force will engage meaningfully with state, territorial, and Indigenous partners.
It also states that the agreement will prioritize the responsible conservation and sustainable use of Arctic resources for the mutual benefit of Americans and Canadians, including Indigenous Peoples.
