When it comes to issues that cause tension between Canada and the United States, the Northwest Passage is one of the most important. The issue regarding the status of the passage has disappeared and emerged in Canada-U.S. relations for decades. Global warming in the Arctic has meant that the passage once again comes to the fore in bilateral relations. Closely linked to the United States' adherence to the doctrine of freedom of the seas, Canadian nationalism and the policies of both states, the two nations can no longer afford to maintain opposing positions. Now is the time for Canada and the United States to move forward, putting pride and politics aside, and returning to the special relationship the two nations have had in the past. This would represent the beginning of a relationship in which both countries would achieve meaningful and mutually beneficial continental security. Canada is geographically the second largest nation in the world. It is surrounded by diverse ocean on three sides and has the largest coastline of any nation in the world. It is a country that has international commitments. “These include being a member of the G-8 (Group of 8), a founding member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), a partner of the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), and an active participant in United Nations,” according to Elizabeth Elliot-Meisel (2009, p.204). Yet, this nation has only a small population compared to its continental partner, the United States, a nation with nearly ten times as many citizens. The Canadian federal government considers the Northwest Passage important because both are Arctic nations, maritime powers with deep-sea navies, and states committed to maintaining continental... middle of paper.... ..s enemy. When it comes to pride and politics, there is a precedent for positive collaboration. For Canada, this means getting the most benefit from limited resources. For the United States, this means a return to the special relationship that once existed between the two. This can be done through renewed recognition of its continental partner and valuable ally. Works Cited Briggs, P.J. (1990). The voyage to the polar sea and the dispute over the Northwest Passage. Military and Society (0095327X), 16(3), 437-452.Elliot-Meisel, E. (2009). Politics, Pride, and Precedents: The United States and Canada in the Northwest Passage. Ocean Development and International Law, 40(2), 204-232.Parkey, J.R. (2012). Evaluation of institutional alternatives for the future governance of the Northwest Passage. American Review of Canadian Studies, 42(2), 171-194.