Hans Island is a small island off the coast of Greenland, of Canadian decent. Or is it? With a population of zero, and absolutely no natural resources in sight - what could possibly lead the Danish government to increase military presence around Greenland? Just the same, why doesn't the Canadian government simply give Denmark the island? Sovereignty is the reason. If Canada is unable to monitor such a small, insignificant island, what message does it send to the rest of the world about Canada's security? As global warming recedes the polar ice caps, Arctic Ocean passages and previously unused land will be useable. A large, expensive military force is not required, either. There are cheap, cost-efficient means available to ensure the Canadian claim of the arctic. The Government of Canada, by taking advantage of these cost-efficient means, must ensure arctic Sovereignty.

Canadians need to realize that this dispute...