Canada's Prime Minister has upped the stakes in the race to claim large parts of the Arctic. Stephen Harper announced that his country will build two new military bases in its far North.
He said he wants to show the world that Canada has a long-term presence at the North Pole. A number of countries are interested in the region in the hope its rich in natural resources, including oil. It follows Russia's mission there last week. Meanwhile, a U.S. icebreaker has set off for the region today and a Danish expedition is set to follow on Sunday.