Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee, the commander of the Royal Canadian Navy, has revealed that initial discussions are underway with the Chilean navy regarding a potential joint Antarctic expedition scheduled for two weeks in the upcoming spring. The expedition aims to include a team of scientists on a Chilean vessel.
“While the plans are not yet finalized, we are enthusiastic about the possibilities,” Topshee shared in an interview with CBC News at the end of the year.
The focus of the expedition is to study the effects of climate change on both poles, a topic of significant interest to the participating parties.
Previously, Topshee led the inaugural all-Canadian Antarctic expedition in February and March, which involved the HMCS Margaret Brooke venturing south of the Antarctic Circle with a team of 15 climate scientists. During the month-long expedition, various samples were collected, including water, air, sediment, and snow, along with mapping the ocean floor.
Reflecting on the first expedition, Topshee expressed his excitement about the potential for further research, stating, “The enthusiasm displayed during my visit to the Margaret Brooke in Antarctica this year was remarkable. Supporting such research endeavors is truly impactful.”
Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee, commander of the Royal Canadian Navy, tells the CBC’s Murray Brewster why the navy is exploring a second Antarctic mission, less than a year after HMCS Margaret Brooke’s all-Canadian expedition beyond the Antarctic Circle. If finalized, Canadian Forces personnel and Canadian scientists would deploy aboard a Chilean icebreaker, sailing in early 2026.
Antarctic mission showcased at ArcticNet event
The announcement of a potential follow-up mission with the Chilean navy was well-received by polar scientists at a recent conference organized by ArcticNet, a non-profit organization that convened scientists and policymakers in Calgary.
David Hik, the chief scientist at Polar Knowledge Canada, emphasized the 2025 expedition as a significant milestone in Canada’s Antarctic scientific endeavors. He mentioned ongoing efforts to establish a framework for Canadian Antarctic research and secure a voting membership in the Antarctic Treaty.
The Canadian Antarctic Research Expedition (CARE 2025), led by Natural Resources Canada scientist Thomas James, was hailed as a demonstration of Canada’s commitment to Antarctic research and its future potential, according to Hik’s remarks at the ArcticNet annual scientific meeting.
James has been tasked with assembling a new team of scientists in preparation for a potential return to Antarctica in 2026.
Describing the first expedition as a form of “science diplomacy,” James
