In September 2002, board and staff of the Canadian Polar Commission met to develop collectively a Strategic Roadmap for the Commission's next three-year term. Drawn from the Canadian Polar Commission Act (February 1, 1991), the Roadmap consists of a Vision, Purpose, Values and Beliefs, and Objectives.

Vision

CPC will advocate and develop polar knowledge to benefit Canadians and sustain polar regions. Polar knowledge includes social sciences, traditional knowledge, natural sciences and the humanities.

Purpose

1. To monitor the state of knowledge, in Canada and elsewhere, in respect of the polar regions and report regularly and publicly.
2. To determine polar knowledge priorities and report regularly to Canadians.
3. To co-operate with Canadian organizations, institutions and associations to support the development and dissemination of knowledge in respect of the polar regions.
4. To advise the Minister on any matter relating to the polar regions.
5. To provide information about research in respect of the polar regions to Canadians and Canadian organizations, institutions and associations.
6. To enhance Canada's international profile as a circumpolar nation by fostering international cooperation in the advancement of knowledge in respect of the polar regions.
7. To undertake any other activities in the furtherance of its purpose.

Values and Beliefs

We will:

• act with humanity;
• ensure equal and meaningful participation by all partners;
• work wholeheartedly and with conviction;
• work without a bias towards any particular type of knowledge;
• work with respect for all forms of knowledge;
• work closely as a group;
• recognize the necessity of our existence;
• act in a fiscally responsible manner;
• reflect the views of all Canadians;
• act to enhance opportunities for northerners;
• have respect for all cultures;
• use a consensus-based approach to decision-making;
• give priority to northerners' concerns and views;
• act with integrity;
• have respect for individuals and each other;
• act with openness and share information;
• act in the spirit of co-management, combining and respecting both wisdom and science;
• communicate and disseminate information in a manner that is accessible and understandable for all Canadians; and
• represent the views of all regions of the North.

• Expand and develop the Canadian Polar Information Network, including the Polar Science Forum and the Researcher's Directory.
• Provide a citizen perspective in the development of a northern science policy framework for research.
• Explore opportunities for greater visibility/profile in all regions
• Continue indicators research to report on the state of polar knowledge
• Report on polar issues and the state of polar knowledge and provide greater insight and analysis of polar issues
• Promote Canadian participation in Antarctic and bipolar scientific activities and ensure Canadian polar research concerns are brought to the attention of international organizations.

For the next three years the Commission will engage in advocacy whenever possible in the following areas:

Climate Change

• increase Canadians’ awareness of climate change impacts and the need for more monitoring and research planning

• improve access to educational and research opportunities for northerners and boost awareness of the knowledge bases of polar regions and

• increase awareness of the evolving role of governance in the North
• help make information available to northerners on best practices in governance

• bring to light the need for more research to support energy issues, for improved access to existing information, and for long term employment opportunities for local people

• encourage better coordination and sharing of information, and greater support of monitoring and health research and programs.