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Military sets up shop in Nunavut

Christine Kay
Northern News Services

Iqaluit (Oct 14/02) - Capt. Gilles Beauchesne is the first representative from the Department of National Defence to be stationed in Nunavut since its formation. He moved to the territory's capital in September.

NNSL Photo

Captain Gilles Beauchesne is the first Canadian Forces officer to be stationed in Nunavut.



Beauchesne said living in Iqaluit is different but he'll get use to it. He's been in the military for 20 years and has lived everywhere from New Brunswick to Vancouver.

"I'm on my own here," he said.

His main task for now is to form liaisons on behalf of the Canadian Forces Northern Area with the governments of Nunavut and Canada, as well as municipalities across the territory.

He is also expected to support cadet activities and assist recruitment officers when they visit the territory.

His office is presently with the RCMP in the Government of Canada building. As the DND presence grows in Iqaluit, the office will have to be moved. For now, Beauchesne just wants people to know that although he's only one person he is working for all of Nunavut.

"My intent is not to stay here with an anchor at my foot. I want to go in the communities too," said Beauchesne.

It may take some time but the captain hopes to make Nunavut aware of his presence. He wears his uniform when he's out walking. He said people in the grocery store look at him funny and try to figure out what he is doing.

Eventually there will be four representatives from CFNA in Nunavut.

Beauchesne will be in Iqaluit for at least one year. 2