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RANKIN INLET - Rankin Inlet was the first stop in an eight-community tour by Canadian Forces Joint Task Force North commander Brig.-Gen. David Millar this past month.

Millar also made stops in Iqaluit, Clyde River, Qikiqtarjuaq, Pond Inlet, Gjoa Haven, Arctic Bay and Taloyoak.

Brig.Gen. David Millar chats with Canadian Ranger Jack Kabvitok while visiting with his troops in Rankin Inlet this past month. - Darrell Greer/NNSL photo

He was originally scheduled to visit Iqaluit for the induction of 56 new Canadian Rangers, and he decided to expand the trip to eight communities.

He met with Rangers, Junior Rangers, cadets, elders, administrative officers, mayors and educators in each locale.

Millar said part of his role and responsibility is to meet the troops living in Northern communities.

He said the rangers are the Canadian Forces in the North.

"The Rangers are our eyes and ears, and there's no substitute for boots on the ground and people living in the communities," said Millar.

"Technology doesn't always work in the extreme conditions of the High Arctic.

"That's why nothing can replace the Rangers, and why I reassured them they are the vital link in the North for maintaining sovereignty, representing the forces and providing security for their communities."

Millar said the Rangers' red ball caps and uniforms are perfect symbols for their role in the North.

He said the Ranger uniform is as symbolic to Canadians as the Snowbirds or RCMP.

"A number of Rangers told me it was nice to be reminded of that, because they tend to forget how people view them.

"Hearing it helped them reconnect to Canada and Canadians because it's nice for them to know they're appreciated."

Millar said the Junior Rangers and cadets, which focus on youth aged 12 to 18, are equally important programs.

He said both programs build self-esteem and provide structure, leadership and self-confidence.

"Both programs are tremendous ways of transferring Inuit culture and traditions to the youth.

"A number of mayors and principals told me they see a real difference in youth who are involved in these programs.

"They're more mature and better-behaved, and they have the self-confidence and ability to engage in active conversation."

Millar said the opening of the North through the melting of the polar ice cap has resulted in a tremendous amount of Arctic activity.

He said that activity prompted the development of Canada's Northern Strategy and the Canada First Defence Strategy.

"The Canada First Defence Strategy is to ensure the safety, security and defence of our North, and the Rangers are one of the key elements in ensuring that for us.

"We're also pursuing a number of other initiatives: a navel refuelling station at Nanisivik, the Arctic training centre at Resolute, and increasing our number of Rangers and junior Rangers.

"There is increased activity in the North, so we need to ensure we have the means and resources to support the territories' emergency management organizations and to demonstrate that our North is truly ours.

Millar said the Canadian Forces have been defending the North since the days of the Yukon Field Force and, subsequently, the Rangers in 1947.

He said the forces can respond to any potential threats that come into Canadian air, land or sea.

"As was indicated by our minister of national defence over the most recent exchange of greetings in the High Arctic, we are prepared, and continually practise to defend Canada's sovereignty in the air or on land and sea.

"Our air space over the Arctic is in good hands because of our air force, the NORAD agreement, CF-18s and F-18s.

"The sovereignty of our land and sea is equally safe in the hands of our Rangers and the Canadian Forces who operate in the North."

Millar said there are about 160 Canadian Forces regulars dispersed between Yellowknife, Iqaluit and Whitehorse who operate on a 24-7 basis.

He said the task force maintains situational awareness and has the ability, within 12 hours, to call upon national defence air, land and sea resources located south of 60.

"We're putting a reserve company in Yellowknife, made up of part-time soldiers, which we'll be starting on April 1.

"The army is also organizing companies in the four main southern regions, with an exclusive role of responding to Arctic needs.

"The services needed for us to permanently establish bases and have hundreds of people in the High Arctic simply don't exist.

"Nevertheless, we can easily bring forces from the south to respond in a timely manner to any security or defence emergency that may arise."