The Conservative government is shifting course in the Artic and embracing a less pugnacious approach when it comes to territorial rivals like Russia.

The new approach, called "Canada's Arctic Foreign Policy" calls for a "stable, rules-based region" where neighbours like the U.S., Russia and Denmark co-operate rather than compete.

Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon unveiled the new approach on Friday.

The approach marks a significant break for the Harper government, which hasn't shied away from confrontation over Arctic sovereignty in the past.

Last year, the government was quick to scramble fighter jets to the region as a way to discourage Russian aircraft from flying into Canadian airspace.

In 2005, the Conservatives campaigned on a platform that called for the purchase of three large icebreakers, the construction of a deep-water port and the establishment of a training centre for Canadian Forces.

While the government still plans to establish the port and build the training centre, the icebreaker plan has been replaced by smaller ships.

"Through international leadership and stewardship, we will promote Canada's vision for the North," Cannon said Friday.

"That vision is of a stable region with clearly defined boundaries, dynamic economic growth and trade."

In short, Cannon said that "engaging" with international partners was the priority.

Col. (retired) Pierre Leblanc, a former commander of the Canadian Forces Northern Area, said that despite the potential for conflict, there are several issues that can be dealt with co-operatively.

For example, the disagreement with Denmark over tiny Hans Island isn't a pressing concern, given that both countries have agreed about the island's impact on the resource-rich continental shelf.

Though Washington and Ottawa have disagreed over which country should control the Beaufort Sea, there is much common ground to be found as both nations have a history of working together.

"NORAD is probably the best example of the extensive co-operation between our two countries," Leblanc told CTV News Channel from Ottawa.

What is concerning, said Leblanc, is the Northwest Passage, which lies completely inside Canadian territory.

However, other countries feel the shipping lane is in international waters, and currently, Canada does not have the capacity to stop ships from sailing through the passage.

"I think we would be in a bit of a bind to fully exercise our laws in the Arctic," he said, citing limited resources.

Leblanc said that increased shipping, partially due to climate change, could pose a risk to Canada's interests as the risk of accidents and pollution increases.

Russia, too, has been investing heavily in the region, making their territorial presence stronger than Canada's, he added.