Senator calls on Ottawa to reinforce Canadas claim to island off New Brunswick
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Canada-US Dispute Over Machias Seal Island Escalates Over US Tour Company
Does this disputed island belong to the U.S., or is it an integral part of Canada?
Above: Machias Seal Island on Aug. 4, 2006. Image credit: Fred Field/Portland Press Herald/Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
Machias Seal Island rightfully belongs to the U.S. as per the Treaty of Paris of 1783, which granted sovereignty over all islands within roughly 70 miles of the U.S. coastline. Not only does this island sit well within this boundary, but the U.S. claim was also validated by arbitration under the Treaty of Ghent and remains firmly grounded in international law.
Narrative B
Canada's sovereignty over Machias Seal Island is absolute. However, the country continues to issue permits to American tour operators that openly market the island as part of Maine. This issue requires urgent correction, which is why the DFO must be willing to revoke the Bold Coast Charter Company's permit if it refuses to acknowledge Canada's rightful ownership of the island.
Metaculus Prediction
There is a 4% chance that the U.S. will annex any part of Canada before June 3, 2072, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
The Controversies
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© 2025 Improve the News Foundation.
All rights reserved.
Version 6.18.0