CANADA, THE UNITED STATES, AND THE NORTHWEST PASSAGE: SOVEREIGNTY TO THE SIDE

A Canadian author examines the complex legal issues involving sovereignty over the Northwest Passage. The paper outlines both the legal positions of Canada and the United States regarding the Passage, and explores possible mechanisms for moving beyond the current impasse over the status of the Passage. Given that a strictly legal solution is unlikely, the author proposes putting legal issues "to the side" and focusing on other issues connected to the Passage for which cooperation is feasible and necessary. Such issues include the environment, security, exploration and protection of resources, and shipping.