The federal government has introduced legislation to merge the Canadian High Arctic Research Station (CHARS) with the Canada Polar Commission (CPC), establishing a single research hub for the Canadian Arctic region. The combined entity will build on the CPC's mandate and bring together industry, academic, Aboriginal and northern governments as well as international stakeholders to leverage expertise, resources and experience. CHARS is a key component of Canada's Northern Strategy. Once operational in 2017, it will conduct research in the areas of resource development, environmental stewardship and climate change, exercising sovereignty and strong and healthy communities….