Tara Kearsey
Northern News Services

Iqaluit (June 17/02) - At least 150 army, navy and air force officials head to Iqaluit next month to train.

Operation Narwhal, as the exercise is known, was on the agenda at the Arctic Security Interdepartmental Working Group held in Iqaluit May 28 to 30.

Representatives of the RCMP, CSIS, Coast Guard and Department of Immigration attended the biannual meeting to discuss important security issues.

Committee chair and Canadian Forces Northern Area base commander Col. Kevin McLeod said he brought information on what the Canadian Forces is planning for the North.

McLeod said he talked about the navy ships visiting Iqaluit and Kimmirut, an exercise off Resolution Island with army, navy and air force assets and the possibility of a permanent military presence in Nunavut.

The latter initiative would see the posting of a full-time military officer in Iqaluit.

The naval ships are scheduled to reach Iqaluit July 31. Local residents will get a chance to tour the ship and view a demonstration by navy sailors.

"Once the ship sails off we'll put some Rangers and regular force soldiers on board, it'll steam around and drop them off on Resolution Island," said McLeod.

On the island the patrols will conduct a surveillance and overwatch exercise.

The troops will be airlifted from the island after the exercise has concluded.

"It's the army and the navy working together, along with the air force, and doing a mission," he said.

Surveillance exercises are critical to ensure the North is prepared for any potential threat, says McLeod.

"As we see events unfolding around the world I think Canada has to be ready for all kinds of different threats -- either terrorist threats or threats of another benign nature," he said.

McLeod said the military has a responsibility to protect our environment, natural resources and infrastructure.

"If for some reason, either man-made or natural disaster happens -- those are the kind of threats that certainly the Canadian Forces must be capable of responding to."

The next Arctic Security Working Group meeting is scheduled for November in Whitehorse.