Joseph-Elzéar Bernier

Joseph-Elzéar Bernier (; January 1, 1852 – December 26, 1934) was a Canadian ship captain, ship builder, explorer from Côte-du-Sud, Quebec on the St. Lawrence River who is best known for exploring the Arctic on behalf of Canada.

From 1904 to 1911, he led expeditions to the Arctic Archipelago on annual voyages in the CGS Arctic and officially claimed the islands for Canada. On , Captain Bernier placed a plaque on Melville Island, proclaiming Canada's sovereignty over the islands of the Arctic.

Personal life He was born in L'Islet, Canada East, the son of Captain Thomas Bernier and Célinas Paradis.

Joseph Idlout's daughter, Leah Idlout, said that her father was the son of Bernier. It is thought that Idlout may have been the only son of Bernier. Through Joseph, Bernier is the grandfather of Paul Idlout, the first Inuk to be made an Anglican bishop and the third indigenous Anglican bishop in Canada.

Bernier died of a heart attack in Lévis at the age of 82 in 1934.

Career as a mariner At the age of 14, he became a cabin boy on his father's ship. Three years later, he became captain of his own ship and commanded sailing ships for the next 25 years. Bernier was named governor for the jail at Quebec City in 1895.

Bernier's subarctic expedition (1904-1905) In 1904, on behalf of the Canadian government Bernier purchased the Gauss, the German ship known for the Gauss expedition, renaming it the CCG Arctic. In his first subarctic expedition on the CCG Arctic, Bernier and his crew departed on 17 September 1904 and overwintered in Cape Fullerton in what is now known as Nunavut. They arrived in Quebec City on 7 October 1905. The 1909 proclamation read, "This Memorial is Erected today to Commemorate, The taking possession for the 'DOMINION OF CANADA,' of the whole 'ARCTIC ARCHIPELAGO,' Lying to the north of America, from long. 60° w. to 141° w. up to latitude 90° n. Winter Hbr. Melville Island, C.G.S. Arctic, July 1st 1909. J. E. Bernier, Commander."

Bernier's third Arctic expedition (1910–11) as captain of the CCG Arctic' on behalf of the Canadian government was a disappointment. Having already claimed the entire Arctic archipelago, his role was limited to patrolling Arctic waters. Byers characterized the claim as an articulation of sector theory and noted how diplomats had widely rejected Russia's claims to a wedge of the Arctic extending to the North Pole.

Archives There is a Joseph-Elzéar Bernier fonds at Library and Archives Canada. Archival reference number is R7896.