Who controls the Northwest Passage

The answer from Canada is "Canada." Not every country agrees with that assessment.

There is agreement that Canada owns the Northwest Passage, a strait through the Arctic waters. The passage is more prevalent given the melting of the icebergs in that part of the world.

The United States says the passage is an international strait with free passage for all, similar to other straits. The issue is unimpeded movement of U.S. ships. Canada notes that it has sole jurisdiction over the passage and wants to enforce its own laws.

There is a twist to the story. Former U.S. ambassador to Canada, Paul Cellucci, was quoted in Canadian newspapers as agreeing with the Canadian position. "It is in the security interests of the United States that it be under the control of Canada."

Current U.S. ambassador David Wilkins says the Northwest Passage is an international strait.

Unlike numerous U.S.-Canadian disputes, this isn't so simple. No one is the "bad guy" in this battle. Then again, they aren't arguing over whether U.S. ships can use the passage; they can. Canada wants control and to be able to set the laws of the area. The U.S. wants nothing to get in the way of its ships.