On board a Canadian Arctic supply ship

International interest in the Arctic region, and its resources, has gained momentum in recent years, with several countries moving to lay claims to the area and its resources.

During Prime Minister Stephen Harper's latest visit to Canada's northwestern territories, he addressed sovereignty as Canada's number one priority towards Arctic foreign policy.

The country's remote communities depend on the cargo ships which sail through Arctic waters to keep them in all kinds of goods.

The BBC's Rajesh Mirchandani joined the crew aboard the Hudson Bay Explorer as it made another supply trip.