Canada, with just under 10 million square kilometers, is the second largest nation in the world. With 202,080 to 265,523 kilometers (depending on the method of measurement) it has the longest coastline of any country, double that of its closest competitor.
Think about those two facts for a minute. Think of their implications. Think of the responsibilities that they create for Canadians.
With the exception of the prairie provinces every Canadian province and territory has a significant coastline. And as the Arctic ice cover melts, our northern coastlines are of increasing importance and bring a greater responsibility to every Canadian.