With the recent decision by Cascadia to pursue full membership in the Arctic Union and Arctic Treaty Organization, we need to make the decision on whether or not to allow them to join. We are heavily in favor for a number of reasons, including:

• Cascadia represents an economy of $2 trillion that would become fully integrated into our own, boosting the AU's economy and encouraging growth

• Cascadia has proven itself to have reached a stage of maturity and stability, alleviating prior concerns over its instability and potential for conflict

• Cascadian membership in the AU and ATO would bring the entirety of the Northwest Passage into AU control, as Cascadia controls Alaska, a vital outlet on one end of the Passage

• Security of the Northwest Passage would be aided by adding Cascadia to the joint Arctic Command in the ATO

• The open border initiative between Cascadia and the AU has so far proven successful

Meanwhile, we see no real counterargument against Cascadian membership in the AU and ATO. We welcome discussion on the matter however, because our interests ultimately lie not necessarily in Cascadian accession but more in the health of the Arctic Union.

We look forward to a productive discussion.