Bernier, Joseph Elzéar << buhr nee AY, zhoh ZEHF ehl zay AIR >> (1852-1934), was a Canadian explorer known for his voyages to the Arctic. During an expedition in 1908 and 1909, Bernier claimed all the islands in the North American region of the Arctic for Canada. This action asserted Canada’s claim to the Arctic region and awakened the Canadian public to the importance of the far north. Bernier served as captain on 12 Arctic voyages and also made several journeys around the world.
From 1906 to 1909, Bernier made two voyages to a number of islands in the Arctic. During these journeys, he traveled through Lancaster Sound to the islands of Banks, Melville, and Victoria, and then to McClure Strait and Prince of Wales Strait. From 1910 to 1913, he led two expeditions in the Baffin Island area.
Bernier was born on Jan. 1, 1852, in L’Islet, Quebec. His father and grandfather were sea captains. Bernier began to command ships at the age of 17. He described his voyages in Master Mariner and Arctic Explorer (1939). Bernier died on Dec. 26, 1934.
