Events and Community Visits
Event - Iqaluit region: Operation Lancaster
To view the complete photo gallery of this event click here.
IQALUIT – Event: Operation Lancaster, Aug. 13, 2006
On August 13th, 2006, Commissioner Ann Hanson was invited on board the HMCS Montreal, a Coast Guard icebreaker which was headed from Iqaluit to Pond Inlet.
The visit was to observe how members of the Canadian Armed Forces -- navy, army and air force – and local Rangers would conduct military exercises to strengthen its working relationships with government departments and northern communities in their shared goal of protecting sovereignty in the North.
The Commissioner and her executive assistant, Marie Fortier, were able to take a first-hand look at “Operation Lancaster”, one of the largest military operations in recent memory above the Arctic Circle.
“Operation Lancaster” employes approximately 400 members of the Canadian forces, including ships, aircraft, helicopters, ground troops and the Canadian Rangers.
Federal Government departments such as the Coast Guard, Fisheries and Oceans, Parks Canada, the RCMP in addition to the Government of Nunavut and municipalities are working together to make this operation a success.
The Commissioner considered it a privilege to visit the armed forces at this posting and gave presentations about Nunavut and Inuit culture.
She found the journey exciting, especially as the ship navigated to the eastern entrance of the Northwest Passage on Aug. 17. Thanks to today’s technology, the trip was much easier, noted the Commissioner.
“This is a significant event for Canada, for the sovereignty and protection of our waters and lands and it is happening right here at home in Nunavut.
“Being a part of this historical event makes me proud to be Commissioner of Nunavut.
“This is a wonderful event for Nunavut and I want to thank all the people involved in making Operation Lancaster a success,” she said.
To view the complete photo gallery of this event click here.