Yellowknife, Northwest Territories: The Canadian Coast Guard held a training exercise involving a simulated marine oil spill clean-up operation last week. The exercise simulated the initial response to a significant diesel spill in the vicinity of the Port of Iqaluit.
Response crews exercised observation, response, and beach flush missions. Led by Nunavut-based Canadian Coast Guard Environmental Response personnel, the mission involved a National Aerial Surveillance Program aircraft from Transport Canada and the CCGS Henry Larsen, among other personnel and assets.
The Canadian Coast Guard welcomed the community for a special 60th Anniversary open house event at Iqaluit Square. The public was invited to meet with personnel, view equipment used to keep Arctic waters safe, and ask questions about career paths and employment.
In 2022, the Canadian Coast Guard is celebrating its 60th anniversary. The theme for this anniversary is “Celebrate the past. Navigate the future.” Throughout 2022, we are looking back on all of our accomplishments in the last 60 years and focusing on our future as a progressive, innovative organization.
The Canadian Coast Guard is past the mid-way point of its 2022 Arctic operational season, which runs annually from June to November. Canadian Coast Guard’s icebreakers were deployed to the Arctic to support northern communities and operational and program commitments this season. This includes escorting vessels through ice-covered waters to facilitate the delivery of essential supplies to Northern communities, conducting hydrographic surveys, maintaining navigational aids, supporting science programs, and working with provincial, territorial, national and international partners.
Between August 1-12th, CCGS Des Groseilliers participated in Operation Pacer Goose, the annual resupply mission of the U.S. Air Force base in Thule, Greenland. The Canadian Coast Guard’s icebreaking services allowed cargo ships and tankers to safely access the base for critical resupply and refueling.
Between August 7-9th, the Canadian Coast Guard participated in Operation Nanook-Tuugaalik, an annual joint Arctic exercise led by Canada’s Department of National Defence. The Canadian Coast Guard worked with national partners from the Royal Canadian Navy, international partners from the U.S. Coast Guard, and French and Danish navies.
On August 12, 2022, the Honourable Joyce Murray, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, announced new funding while meeting with Indigenous organizations and governments on key priorities in Rankin Inlet, Nunavut. This new funding, announced under Canada’s Oceans Protection Plan, will see the local station upgraded to become an Arctic Maritime Response Station.
Joyce Murray, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, said: “The Canadian Coast Guard plays an essential role in supporting Arctic communities and ensuring efficient movement of vessels in Canada’s northern waters. In partnering with northern communities, the Canadian Coast Guard works to ensure safe waterways for coastal communities.”
Mario Pelletier, Commissioner of the Canadian Coast Guard, said:“The Canadian Coast Guard’s Arctic Region, now in its fourth year, represents a massive geographical area of responsibility, and its growth is a direct result of the continued dedication of our personnel, partner organizations, and communities.”• Four Canadian Coast Guard icebreakers have dedicated seabed mapping programs, providing the Canadian Hydrographic Service platforms to conduct survey work and increase the amount of sea floor surveyed in the Arctic. Navigational charts released by the Canadian Hydrographic Service provide essential maritime information.