OTH50 - Supporting a culture of health and safety in field research in Canada's Arctic

The Polar Continental Shelf Program (PCSP) facilitates access to some of the most isolated, remote and high risk areas in Canada's Arctic, to fulfill its mandate to support Arctic science and sovereignty operations. As a leader in Arctic science, the University of Alberta researchers advance knowledge in important areas such as climate change and wildlife preservation. In 2024, the University launched a renewed approach to field research health and safety training to promote change in safety culture. Given recent safety-related incidents in the Canadian Arctic and the predicated increase in Northern research (i.e., eightfold by 2040*), there is need for greater leadership, awareness and training to build a stronger 'safety-first' culture in the Arctic research community. This panel seeks to spark discussion about that culture change and how institutions can work together to reduce risks and to support safe, successful research in Canada's Arctic. 

Co-Chairs: Sarah Heath, Natural Resources Canada 

Michelle Rooker, University of Alberta 

Panelists: 

Sarah Heath, Director, Polar Continental Shelf Program, Natural Resources Canada / Sarah Heath, Directrice, Programme du plateau continental polaire, Ressources naturelles Canada 

Michelle Rooker, Director, Health, Safety and Environment, University of Alberta 

Peter Kikkert, Associate Professor, Public Policy and Governance program, St. Francis Xavier University 

Tabitha Mullin, Hamlet of Resolute Bay Nunavut