Foreign Overflights in the Canadian Arctic and the Defense of National Sovereignty in the Region, 1923-1937

ABSTRACT The article analyzes the cases in which planned and executed overflights of the Canadian Arctic by foreign expeditions during the interwar period (1919–1939) appeared to challenge Canada’s sovereignty in the region. Aviation offered a potent tool for exploring the unknown expanses in the Arctic Basin but also threatened Canada’s ability to exert sovereign control over the areas it claimed as its own. Though having a minimal effect in terms of violating Canada’s territorial sovereignty and airspace, the foreign overflights contributed to a shift in Canada’s attitude regarding the North and the perceived need to adopt additional measures to strengthen its control over the region. Instead of attempting to bolster its meager military presence in the area, it chose to rely on diplomacy, the continued strengthening of RCMP units in the Territories, and the enactment of laws to regulate the entrance of foreigners into the zone.