Canada pushes past North Pole in Arctic survey

Canada’s mapping of the Arctic is pushing into territory claimed by Russia in the high-stakes drive by countries to establish clear title to the polar region and its seabed riches.

Survey flights Ottawa conducted in late winter and early spring went beyond the North Pole and into an area where Russia has staked claims, a Department of Natural Resources official said Sunday.

Arctic security experts say this foray demonstrates Canada is refusing to back down from Russia’s increasingly assertive behaviour in the North.