Canadian Internal Waters facts for kids
Canadian Internal Waters are special areas of water that Canada considers to be fully part of its land, just like its lakes and rivers. These waters are found "on the landward side of the baselines of the territorial sea of Canada."
What are Internal Waters?
Think of Canada's coastline. A special line, called a "baseline," is drawn along the low-water mark of the coast or around islands. This line helps decide where Canada's waters begin.
The "territorial sea" is like a belt of ocean that extends about 22 kilometers (12 nautical miles) out from this baseline. Canada has special rights in this area.
Internal waters are all the ocean areas that are *inside* this baseline. They are treated as if they are part of the land itself. This means Canada has full control over them.
Canada believes that many important waterways are its internal waters. These include:
- The waters around the Canadian Arctic islands, like the famous Northwest Passage.
- The Strait of Juan de Fuca.
- The Strait of Georgia.
- Queen Charlotte Sound.
- Hecate Strait.
- The Gulf of Saint Lawrence.
- The Bay of Fundy.
Canada follows international rules for defining these waters. These rules are part of an important agreement called the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. This agreement helps countries around the world understand who controls different parts of the ocean.
Disagreement Over the Northwest Passage
There is a disagreement about whether a part of the Northwest Passage is Canadian internal water. Canada believes this part of the passage is its internal water. This means Canada would have complete control over ships passing through it.
However, the United States and many other countries see it differently. They believe it is an "international strait." An international strait is a waterway used for international shipping.
If it were an international strait, foreign ships would have the right to "transit passage." This means they could pass through without needing special permission.
Even if it were an international strait, Canada would still have some rights. Canada could make rules about fishing, protecting the environment, and ensuring shipping safety. However, Canada would not be able to close the passage to international ships.
