This archived Web page remains online for reference, research or record-keeping purposes. This page will not be altered or updated. Web pages that are archived on the Internet are not subject to the Government of Canada Web Standards. As per the Communications Policy of the Government of Canada, you can request alternate formats of this page here: mail@polar.gc.ca.
The Canadian Polar Commission served Canadians by monitoring, promoting, and disseminating knowledge of the polar regions; contributing to public awareness of the importance of polar science to Canada; enhancing Canada's international profile as a circumpolar nation; and recommending polar science policy direction to government. Among its notable accomplishments are its successful promotion of international polar science coordination and cooperation through the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research and the International Committee on Arctic Research; its contribution to the successful effort to include the human dimension of polar science as a theme of International Polar Year 2007-2008; its 2008 evaluation of northern research infrastructure (Beacons of the North) which influenced the eventual decision of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada to support the renovation and upgrading of many of the facilities (the Arctic Research Infrastructure Fund), and its reports on the State of Northern Knowledge (2014) and the State of Environmental Monitoring in Northern Canada (2015). Polar Knowledge Canada will build upon and further develop the Canadian Polar Commission’s legacy of polar knowledge engagement, coordination, and mobilization.
On June 1 2015 the Government of Canada established Polar Knowledge Canada, a federal research organization that focuses on advancing Canada’s knowledge of the Arctic and strengthening Canadian leadership in polar science and technology. Polar Knowledge Canada combines the mandates and functions of the Canadian Polar Commission and the Canadian High Arctic Research Station initiative of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada.