Abstract: Canada and Russia act as the de facto executive body for the Northeast Passage and Northern Sea Route, respectively. A comparative study will be conducted to explore similarities and differences in the administration for Arctic waterways by the two countries. The comparative study will provide insight into similarities and differences in sovereignty claims for Arctic waterways, priority for sovereignty claims or profit claims, and attitudes towards the prospects of commercial shipping in the Arctic waterways. Furthermore, the comparative study will identify differences in attitudes towards the importance of the Arctic waterways to national security, as well as different attitudes towards the environmental protection of Arctic waters. A good understanding of the administration for Arctic waterways will facilitate the understanding of current and future policies for Arctic passages of both countries. As a result, the international community will be well informed and well prepared for the future commercial shipping in the Northwest Passage and the Northern Sea Route.

Key words: Canada, Russia, Northwest Passage, Northern Sea Route, comparative study, waterways administration