Arctic sovereignty 'non-negotiable': Harper

Prime Minister Stephen Harperhas declared the protection and promotion of Canada's sovereignty in theArctica "non-negotiable priority."

The prime minister's comment came after the federalgovernment announced earlierFridaythat Canadawill work to create a "rules-based region"with clearly defined boundaries.

Speaking to reporters in Charlottetown, Harper said the statementdoes not signala policy change butis an elaboration of the government's "broad approach" on the North. That approach, Harperinsisted,has alwaysincluded working with partners in the region "where appropriate."

"All of these things serve our No. 1 and, quite frankly, non-negotiable priority in northern sovereignty, and that is the protection and the promotion of Canada's sovereignty over what is our North," Harper said.

"That is what Canadians want us to do. That is what we will do."

The statement, unveiled in Ottawa by Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon, alsosaidCanada will promote economic growth andtrade, along with "vibrant northern communities and healthy, productive ecosystems."

Describing Canada as an "Arctic power," Cannon alsosaid thegovernment will meet the 2013 deadline for presenting Canada's claims to the ocean floor to the United Nations.

But the statement does not mentionCanada's two maindisagreements with the United Statesin the region: control over theNorthwest Passage and the disputedborder of the Beaufort Sea.

During the 2005 election campaign, the Conservatives promised to buy three huge, armed icebreakers to patrol the melting Arctic seas, build a deep-water port, and establish an Arctic warfare training centre.

The port and the training centre are being assembled, but the plan for icebreakers was scaled back years ago to smaller patrol ships.

PM to tour North

NDP Leader Jack Layton said his party welcomed the statementas a "step in the right direction" andhopes the government is serious on resolving the borderissues instead ofopting toflex Canada's military muscle in the region.

"This idea that we can purchase large military vessels and go to war with other countries if there are boundary issuesis ridiculous," Layton told reporters in Ottawa on Friday.

The policy statement comes as Harper preparesto head to the Arctic region next week for a five-day tour.

The prime minister will visit the High Arctic while the Canadian Forces carry out its annual Arctic sovereignty exercise, Operation Nanook, his office said Friday.

Harper will also make announcements in Cambridge Bay, Nunavut, and in Tuktoyaktuk, N.W.T.