Operation LASER

Following a request for assistance, from 19 February to 28 March 2021, Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) personnel provided Government of Canada departments with planning and logistics support to establish testing sites at 16 land ports of entry (LPOE) across Canada. The task fell under Operation LASER, the CAF response to the global COVID-19 pandemic. In support of Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), the CAF provided preliminary logistics support to the establishment of these sites at the border. At all times, CAF personnel took precautions to help minimize the spread of COVID-19, protecting our personnel and those with whom we interacted and assisted. CAF support to LPOE testing was limited to four main tasks:

• At the federal level, assisted the PHAC with the planning for, and establishment of, LPOE testing sites;
• Provided planning support – such as advice on site layout, operations and sustainment – to PHAC at the regional level;
• Assisted PHAC personnel with contracting for the initial establishment of the these sites; and
• Provided general duty support in the establishment of the LPOE testing sites.

The CAF did not engage in any activities related to testing, quarantine, or law enforcement at the border.

On Sept 22, 2021 the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) received a Request for Assistance (RFA) from the Province of Alberta through Public Safety. In response to this request, the CAF provided one senior critical care nurse and eight other critical care nursing officers (CCNO) to assist in intensive care units in hospitals in Alberta and help alleviate pressure caused by the spike in COVID-19 related hospitalizations. CAF support was initially scheduled to be in place until Oct. 31.

The eight CAF CCNO’s worked alongside Alberta Health Services (AHS) medical personnel at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton to help alleviate pressure in the critical care unit. They conducted integration training with AHS the morning of October 6 and began shifts later that day. CAF CCNO support to Alberta Heath Services continued until the end of October, where the nurses departed Edmonton and returned to their home units in Ontario and Nova Scotia.

In response to a request for assistance by the province of British-Columbia, five Canadian Rangers were activated in the community of Fort Nelson First Nation from January 30 to March 1, 2021, to provide assistance in dealing with the COVID-19 outbreak. The Rangers are working alongside other members of the community to provide humanitarian assistance and address the immediate needs of this remote community. Their tasks included:

• Monitoring critical infrastructure such as the generator, water and septic systems
• Delivering critical supplies such as food, medicine and firewood to assist the population with self-isolation
• Performing community wellness checks, sometimes at nighttime
• Supporting a program of public awareness on health measures in effect

In response to a request for support by Emergency Management British Columbia, two Canadian Rangers from Tahltan Nation Dease Lake were activated on 21 April to provide general duty and logistical support – such as food delivery – to the community as part of COVID-19 mitigation efforts. 

Between January 17 and 18, 2021, Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) personnel was sent to support an Indigenous Service Canada-led liaison and reconnaissance team. The team’s purpose was to rapidly assess the situation in Garden Hill First Nation (FN). The CAF support to this reconnaissance elements was composed of eight CAF members based out of CFB Shilo, Man. and one Canadian Ranger from the local community.

On January 19, 2021, the CAF received a formal request for assistance from the federal government to assist the Garden Hill FN community. Accordingly, on January 20, 2021, approximately 30 CAF personnel deployed to Garden Hill FN to work alongside other members of the community and other government departments and agencies to provide humanitarian assistance and address the emergent needs of the community. The tasks the CAF has been called to carry out were:

• Providing general duty support to the community and nursing station (for clerical, maintenance, cleaning duties of isolating personnel) where required
• Integrating into the local Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) command post in the community to coordinate activities with the Chief and his Council, ISC, RCMP, local health authorities and the AMC Ambassador Team
• Immediate assistance to the local health authorities in providing medical care and support to those in isolation
• Assisting in the establishment of a local Alternative Isolation Area (AIA), including nursing and health care aids
• Providing training and support to incoming staff in the operation of the AIA
• Providing limited assistance with patient management tasks, including triage, secondary assessment, monitoring of patients, testing and treatment of COVID-19 patients
• Where necessary, provide assistance to home wellness checks
• Providing transportation assistance if required to other responding government departments in and out of the affected area for cargo and personnel if required.

On February 9, 2021, the CAF support to the Garden Hill First Nation ended successfully. The CAF is proud to have worked alongside our partners and community members to bring needed relief and assistance.

Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) personnel were sent on February 19, 2021, to support an Indigenous Service Canada-led liaison and reconnaissance team to rapidly assess the situation in the COVID-19 affected Cross Lake communities of Pimicikamak Cree Nation and the Incorporated Community of Cross Lake. CAF support to this reconnaissance team consisted of four CAF members based out of CFB Shilo, Man. Following this assessment, and in response to a request for assistance by the province, a team of approximately 25 CAF personnel arrived in the community on February 23, 2021, via RCAF C-130 Hercules airplane, to provide COVID-19 relief support. The CAF team of eight medical and 17 general duty staff from CFB Petawawa in Ontario and CFB Shilo in Manitoba respectively, are working alongside community members to provide humanitarian assistance and address the immediate needs of this remote community. Their tasks included:

• Support public awareness on health measures in effect and COVID-19 mitigation measures;
• Integrate into the local Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) command post in the community to coordinate activities with the Chief and his Council, ISC, RCMP, local health authorities, the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs’ Ambassador Team and other whole of government partners;
• Conduct wellness checks within the community in support of COVID-19 response, transport to alternative isolation accommodation (AIA) sites and pre-evacuation vitals;
• Support the planning for, establishment of, and initial staffing, including limited civilian patient care, for an AIA with the Cross Lake Community;
• Provide limited assistance with patient management tasks, including triage, secondary assessment, monitoring of patients, testing and treatment of COVID-19 patients;
• Assist local health authorities in the establishment of a local AIA including nursing, health care assistants and general duty personnel; and
• Provide training and support to incoming staff in the operation of the AIA.

CAF personnel departed Cross Lake in northern Manitoba on March 7, 2021, ending a deployment of approximately 25 soldiers that began on February 23, 2021. Soldiers and CAF medical specialists from CFB Shilo, Man. and CFB Petawawa, Ont., supported by RCAF aircrew, were in Cross Lake working alongside residents, local officials and partner organizations to provide relief during a resurgence of COVID-19 in the community.

A Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) reconnaissance and liaison team based out of CFB Shilo, Manitoba deployed on March 7, 2021, to support a whole-of-government assessment of the situation in the COVID-19 affected community of Mathias Colomb Cree Nation.

Based on this assessment, and in response to a request for assistance from the Province of Manitoba, a 41-person multi-purpose medical assistance team (MMAT) composed of medical staff from 2 Field Ambulance based out of 4th Canadian Division Support Base Petawawa and general support staff from CFB Shilo deployed to assist Indigenous Services Canada in their response to the COVID-19 situation in the community.

CAF personnel deployed into the community via a Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) CC-138 Twin Otter aircraft.

CAF personnel performed the following tasks:

• Integrated into the local Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) in the community to coordinate activities with the Chief, Band Council and other whole of government partners
• Provided limited assistance with potential COVID-19 immunization of community members, as well as patient management tasks, including triage, secondary assessment, monitoring of patients, testing and treatment of COVID-19 patients
• Conducted wellness checks within the community in support of COVID-19 response, as well as those required to facilitate evacuation of community members
• Supported the planning for and initial staffing, including limited civilian patient care, for an AIA with the MCCN Community, to include the deployment of a complete MMAT
• Provided General Duty and Logistical Support to the community including, but not limited to, resupply and humanitarian assistance
• Supported public awareness on health measures in effect and COVID-19 vaccination programs

On April 1st 2021, the CAF successfully ended its support to the community of Mathias Colomb.

In response to a request for assistance by the Province of Manitoba, Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) personnel were sent on February 2, 2021, to support an Indigenous Service Canada-led liaison and reconnaissance team to rapidly assess the situation in the COVID-19 affected community of Pauingassi Anishnaabe First Nation (FN). CAF support to this reconnaissance team consisted of eight CAF members based out of CFB Shilo, Man. 

Following this assessment, and in response to an additional request for assistance by the province, a separate team of approximately 18 CAF personnel arrived in the community on February 6, 2021, via RCAF CH-147 Chinook helicopter, to provide COVID-19 relief support. The CAF team of medical and general duty staff from CFB Shilo and CFB Edmonton, worked alongside community members to provide humanitarian assistance and address the immediate needs of this remote community.

Their tasks included:

• Assisting with the monitoring of critical infrastructure
• Providing logistical support such as delivery of food and supplies
• Accompanying local representatives to conduct wellness checks for vulnerable persons in the community, when requested to do so by local medical authorities
• Health specialists will provide triage and secondary assessment of vulnerable persons in the community, when requested to do so by local medical authorities
• Supporting to a program of public awareness on health measures in effect.

On February 20, 2021, the CAF support to the Pauingassi First Nation ended successfully. The CAF is proud to have worked alongside our partners and community members to bring needed relief and assistance.

On 14 December 2020, the CAF dispatched a liaison and reconnaissance team from CFB Shilo, part of a whole-of-government effort to rapidly assess the COVID-19 situation in Red Sucker Lake First Nation, Manitoba, alongside other federal, provincial and community partners. This reconnaissance elements was composed of seven Canadian Armed Forces members based in Shilo, Manitoba.

On 16 December, 2020, the CAF received a request for assistance to support a whole of government effort in Red Sucker Lake First Nation, Manitoba. On 17 December, the CAF deployed approximately 35 personnel to Red Sucker Lake First Nation. This group consisted of a medical team, support and general duty personnel and leadership.

CAF personnel deployed in Red Sucker Lake worked alongside other members of the community and other government departments and agencies towards the provision of humanitarian assistance and to address emergent needs of this remote community. Specifically, tasks for the CAF included:

• Providing assistance to the community in the production and distribution of real-life-support requirements such as food, firewood and care packages;
• Assist local authorities, set up an alternate isolation accommodations to protect the community, and its vulnerable members, form the COVID-19 virus;
• Providing accommodation and transportation assistance to other government departments and agencies operating in the affected area
• Assisting local health authorities in providing medical care and support, within scope of MMAT capabilities
• Integrate into the local Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) command post in the community

The expanded scope of CAF capabilities needed to help stabilize the situation in remote First Nation communities such as Red Sucker Lake First Nation, require a request for assistance (RFA) from the province of or Indigenous Services Canada to the Canadian Armed Forces through Public Safety. A RFA enables the CAF to bring a wider array of resources to bear to assist provincial and local partners in fighting the COVID-19 outbreak.

On 2 January, 2021, the CAF support to Red Sucker Lake First Nation in Manitoba, ended successfully. The 34 CAF personnel deployed since the assistance began in mid-December 2020, will be drawing down until January 6, 2021. The CAF is proud to have worked alongside our partners and community members to bring needed relief and assistance.

From November 22 to 29, 2020, a Canadian Armed Forces multi-purpose medical assistance team supported the Rod McGillivary Memorial Care Home Opaskwayak Cree Nation in The Pas, Manitoba in response to a request for assistance to manage the COVID-19 outbreak. The team supported the personal care home with immediate medical care and support to residents, patient management assistance, general health-related support to residents, and other assistance to support the health care management within the facility.

On December 4, 2020, about six Canadian Rangers from the 4^th Canadian Ranger Patrol Group (4 CRPG) were activated in the Shamattawa First Nation to assist local officials in COVID-19 relief efforts. Canadian Armed Forces assistance complemented and enhanced support drawn from provincial and local resources.

The Rangers provided:

• Support to the local community in the production and distribution of real-life-support requirements such as food, firewood and care packages
• Assistance with the dissemination of information from community, provincial, and federal entities related to personal protective health measures and layered risk mitigation strategies for the community
• Logistical and general support including, but not limited to transportation assistance, resupply and humanitarian assistance
• Integrated into the local Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) command post in the community

On December 9, 2020, the CAF dispatched a liaison and reconnaissance team of 11 Regular Force members from CFB Shilo, Manitoba to assess the situation alongside community and provincial partners.

On December 12, the CAF initiated the deployment of additional CAF members into Shamattawa FN, Man., to support a request for assistance. As of December 13, this contingent included:

• A team of approximately 40 CAF personnel to assist in the establishment of an Alternative Isolation Area (AIA) and other community support tasks. The team was composed of CAF members from 2^nd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry from Shilo, Man.

• A multi-purpose medical assistance team (MMAT) of 17 CAF members composed of nurses, medical technicians, and one general duty member to assist other healthcare support tasks. Personnel from the MMAT were from the 1 Canadian Forces Health Services Group in Edmonton, Alta.

On December 26, 2020, based on the improvement of the situation within the community, the CAF contingent was reduced by 19 members.

On December 31, 2020, the CAF support the Shamattawa First Nation ended successfully. The CAF is proud to have worked alongside our partners and community members to bring needed relief and assistance.

In response to a request for assistance (RFA) by the Northwest Territories received on August 20, 2021, Canadian Rangers were activated from local patrols to support COVID-19 mitigation efforts in the region. The Rangers were working alongside members of the local First Nations to provide humanitarian assistance and address the immediate needs of this remote region. They were carrying out the following tasks:

• Integration with the community leadership to coordinate activities with the Chief and Council;
• Provision of logistical and general support to include, but not limited to, transportation assistance, delivery of food, water, and supplies to those in self-isolation/quarantine;
• Supporting the community in the production and distribution of real-life-support requirements such as food, water, firewood and care packages, as well as cleaning duties; and
• Assisting with the distribution of information from Community, Provincial and Federal entities related to personal protective health measures and layered risk mitigation strategies.

Canadian Armed Forces support to the NWT was been extended until Oct 1, 2021.

In response to a request for assistance from the province of Nova Scotia, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) deployed approximately 75 members on 27 April, 2021, to support efforts to deal with the substantial surge in COVID-19 cases in the province. CAF members deployed to various COVID-19 testing centers throughout the province carried out general duty tasks including:

• Greeting members of the public upon arrival and providing administrative support;
• Re-stocking of supplies and low-level logistical support;
• Supporting the cleaning of testing sites; and
• Providing other general duties as needed.

From 27 April to May 7, the CAF provided support at the following locations:

• The Membertou Bingo Hall in Membertou First Nation
• The Wolfville Festival Theatre in Wolfville
• The Colchester Civic Center in Truro
• The Yarmouth Mariners Center in Yarmouth

From 27 April to May 14, the CAF provided support at the following locations:

• The Canada Games Center in Halifax
• The Zatzman Sportsplex in Dartmouth

The CAF members deployed to assist operations in these testing centers came from across Nova Scotia. Sailors serving in the Atlantic Fleet were assisting in the Halifax and Dartmouth testing centers while soldiers from the 36th Brigade assisted in Truro, Wolfville, Yarmouth and Membertou First Nation.

The CAF transitioned out of these testing centres at the request of the Province of Nova Scotia based on active monitoring of the situation.

In response to a request for assistance by the province of Ontario, four Canadian Rangers were activated in Fort Albany First Nation from 31 May to 26 June, 2021, to support COVID-19 mitigation efforts in the community. The Rangers worked alongside members of the local First Nation to provide humanitarian assistance and address the immediate needs of this remote community. Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) tasks included:

• Coordinating and liaising with Chief and Council;
• Assisting command post operations;
• Logistical support to organize and deliver critical supplies to vulnerable community members, including elders and those in self-isolation/quarantine;
• General transportation duties including delivery of critical community supplies including PPE as necessary, and;
• Conveying and distributing health/COVID-19 information and information related to the lockdown

The decision to conclude CAF support was made in coordination with federal and provincial partners once suitable conditions were achieved.

In response to a request for assistance (RFA) by the province of Ontario received on May 31, 2021, four Canadian Rangers were activated in the community of Kashechewan First Nation on June 1, 2021, to support COVID-19 mitigation efforts in the community. Following a surge in COVID-19 cases in the community, the number of Canadian Rangers actively supporting relief efforts was increased to 14. The Rangers are working alongside members of the local First Nation to provide humanitarian assistance and address the immediate needs of this remote community. They are carrying out the following tasks:

• Coordination and liaison with Chief and Council
• Assisting command post operations
• Logistical support to organize and deliver critical supplies to vulnerable community members, including elders and those in self-isolation/quarantine
• General transportation duties including delivery of critical community supplies including PPE as necessary
• Conveying and distributing health/COVID-19 information and information related to the lockdown

On June 16, 2021, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) received a second RFA from the Province of Ontario to expand our scope of support in order to help stabilize the COVID-19 situation in Kashechewan First Nation.

In response, the CAF deployed approximately 10 additional personnel, one CH-147 Chinook strategic lift helicopter and other resources to complement the Canadian Rangers already activated in the community. Supplemental tasks performed by the CAF included the following:

• Integrating into the local Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) command post in the community in order to provide logistical and general support
• Providing general duty support to the community where required, to include, but not limited to, set-up of isolation facilities, and the delivery of supplies, food and water
• Assisting with the construction of temporary shelters in the community

This additional assistance from the CAF was provided until June 30, 2021.

On February 1, 2022, Canadian Rangers were asked to assist the community. Their tasks included integrating into local EOC, providing logistical and general support, transportation assistance, distribution of real life support such as food, water, and care packages, production and distribution of firewood, distribution of information and wellness checks. This assistance lasted until April 1, 2022. At any given time during that period there were between one to twelve or more Canadian Rangers active in the community.

In response to a request for assistance by the province of Ontario, six Canadian Rangers were activated in Lac Seul First Nation from 4 May to 7 June, 2021, to support COVID-19 mitigation efforts in the community. The Rangers worked alongside members of the local First Nation to provide humanitarian assistance and address the immediate needs of this remote community. Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) tasks included:

• Integrating with the community leadership to coordinate activities with the Chief and council
• Providing logistical and general support to include, but not limited to transportation assistance, delivery of food and supplies, and humanitarian assistance
• Supporting a program of public awareness on health measures in effect

The Rangers supporting Lac Seul First Nation were from the community itself, and did not enter from an outside location.

In response to a request for assistance by the province of Ontario, four Canadian Rangers were activated in Long Lake 58 First Nation from 31 May to 26 June, 2021, to support COVID-19 mitigation efforts in the community. The Rangers worked alongside members of the local First Nation to provide humanitarian assistance and address the immediate needs of this remote community. CAF tasks included:

• Integrating with the community leadership to coordinate activities with the Chief and Council
• Providing logistical and general support to include, but not limited to, transportation assistance, delivery of food, water, and supplies, to those in self-isolation/quarantine 
• Supporting to a program of public awareness on health measures in effect

The decision to conclude CAF support was made in coordination with federal and provincial partners once suitable conditions were achieved.

In response to a request for assistance by the province of Ontario, three Canadian Rangers were activated in Moose Cree First Nation from 9 May to 7 June, 2021, to support COVID-19 mitigation efforts in the community. The Rangers worked alongside members of the local First Nation to provide humanitarian assistance and address the immediate needs of this remote community. Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) tasks included:

• Integrating with the community leadership to coordinate activities with the Chief and council
• Providing logistical and general support to include, but not limited to wildlife safety patrols, delivery of food and supplies, and humanitarian assistance
• Supporting a program of public awareness on health measures in effect

The Rangers supporting Moose Cree First Nation were from the community itself, and did not enter from an outside location.

In response to a request to assist the Muskrat Dam First Nation in Ontario following the failure of a power generator during a wave of extreme cold weather, six Canadian Rangers from within the community were activated from February 7 to 20, 2021, to support relief efforts led by the Independent First Nation Alliance and local leadership. These Canadian Rangers are working alongside community members to provide humanitarian assistance and address the immediate needs of this remote community. Their tasks included:

• Assisting with the monitoring of critical infrastructure
• Providing logistical support such as delivery of food and supplies
• Assisting with the preparation of a potential evacuation
• Supporting the community command post

In October 2020, Neskantaga First Nation evacuated its population to Thunder Bay due to a shutdown of the community water supply. The Neskantaga First Nation has requested federal assistance in the form of self-sufficient ground personnel to ensure the ongoing safety and maintenance of the community while the residents are in Thunder Bay. Starting on October 30, 2020, the Canadian Armed Forces has provided support through the 3^rd Canadian Ranger Patrol Group and members of the Primary Reserves. On December 24 2020, the CAF support the Neskantaga First Nation ended successfully. The CAF is proud to have worked alongside our partners and community members to bring needed relief and assistance.

Four Canadian Rangers were activated again from 16 May to 4 June to support the community of Neskantaga First Nation with the following tasks:

• Integrating with the community leadership to coordinate activities with the Chief and council
• Providing logistical and general support to include, but not limited to transportation assistance, delivery of food and supplies, and humanitarian assistance
• Supporting a program of public awareness on health measures in effect

On February 17, 2022, eight Canadian Rangers were activated in Attawapiskat First Nation to assist the community mitigate the impact of a COVID-19 outbreak. The Rangers performed tasks such as logistical and general support, transportation assistance, production and distribution of firewood, and distribution of food, water, care packages, and information relating to health and wellness to the community. Support ended successfully on April 20, 2020.

From January 14 to February 11, 2022, Canadian Rangers were activated in Attawapiskat to assist the community. Rangers performed tasks such as logistical and general support, transportation assistance, distribution of food, water, and care packages, production and distribution of firewood, distribution of information to the community.

In response to request for assistance by the province of Ontario, four Canadian Rangers were re-activated in the community from May 20 to August 6, 2021, to provide assistance with COVID-19 mitigation efforts. The Rangers worked alongside members of the local First Nation to provide humanitarian assistance and address the immediate needs of this remote community. The decision to conclude CAF support was made in coordination with federal and provincial partners once suitable conditions were achieved.

From December 13 to December 22, 2020, the Canadian Armed Forces provided support through the 3rd Canadian Ranger Patrol Group and members of the Primary Reserves. During this period the Rangers:

• Integrated into the local Emergency Operations Centre command post in the community
• Provided logistical and general support including transportation assistance, resupply and humanitarian assistance
• Supported the community in the production and distribution of food, water, firewood and care packages
• Assisted with the distribution of information from Community, Provincial, and Federal organizations related to personal protective health measures

This request was approved on January 8, and consisted of Canadian Rangers activated to assist the community of Bearskin Lake. Tasks included integration into local Emergency Operations Center, logistical and general support, transportation assistance, distribution food, water, firewood, and care packages, distribution of information, wellness checks where necessary, and limited assistance to the establishment of Alternate Isolation Accommodations (AIA.) This request for assistance was concluded on January 23 on the request of the community as the COVID-19 infection rate diminished.

Canadian Rangers from the local community have been activated. Tasks include integrate into local Emergency Operations Center, provide logistical and general support, transportation assistance, distribution of real life support such as food, water, and care packages, production and distribution of firewood, distribution of information and wellness checks as needed. This assistance will continue for 14 days, with an option to extend by up to two weeks after an initial reassessment on day seven, or until the outbreak is manageable within local resources. At any given time during support of this nature there can be between one to twelve or more Canadian Rangers active in the community. These numbers change based on the needs of the community and the proximity of different Canadian Ranger patrols to the area they are operating in. This request for assistance was concluded on February 27 on the request of the community as the COVID-19 infection rate diminished.

The Canadian Armed Forces approved a Request for Assistance from Eabamatoong First Nation on February 10. They will integrate with local authorities and offer support in the provision of food, fuel, other necessities and information as well as perform wellness checks as required. At any given time during support of this nature there can be several Canadian Rangers active in the community. These numbers change based on the needs of the community and the proximity of different Canadian Ranger patrols to the area they are operating in. This request for assistance was concluded on March 10 on the request of the community as the COVID-19 infection rate diminished.

The Canadian Armed Forces approved a Request for Assistance from Mishkeegogamang First Nation on February 9. Canadian Rangers were activated to assist the community with logistical and general support, transportation assistance, distribution of food, water, and care packages, production and distribution of firewood, distribution of information to the community. At any given time during support of this nature there can be between one to eight or more Canadian Rangers active in the community. These numbers change based on the needs of the community and the proximity of different Canadian Ranger patrols to the area they are operating in. This request for assistance was concluded on March 19 on the request of the community as the COVID-19 infection rate diminished.

On February 25, 2022 the Canadian Armed Forces received a request for assistance to support the community of Kasabonika Lake First Nation. Canadian Rangers have been activated to assist the community during an outbreak of COVID-19. Their tasks include integrating into the local Emergency Operations Center, providing logistical and general support, transportation assistance, distribution of real life support such as food, water, and care packages, production and distribution of firewood, and distribution of information and wellness checks as needed. At any given time during support of this nature there can be between one to twelve or more Canadian Rangers active in the community. These numbers change based on the needs of the community and the proximity of different Canadian Ranger patrols to the area they are operating in. This request for assistance was concluded on March 24 on the request of the community as the COVID-19 infection rate diminished.

On March 19, 2022, Canadian Rangers were deployed to Deer Lake First Nation to assist the community mitigate the impact of a COVID-19 outbreak. These Canadian Rangers performed tasks such as logistical and general support, transportation assistance, production and distribution of firewood, and distribution of food, water, care packages, and information relating to health and wellness to the community. Support ended on April 9, 2022.

Since 24 December, 2020, the Ekuanitshit First Nation in the Côte-Nord region of Quebec has been experiencing a water shortage due to a leak in their system. On 29 December, 2020, a more in depth search began to locate and fix the leak and resolve the problem. Out of a population of over 600 people, approximately 200 vulnerable members of the community have been evacuated to Havre-Saint-Pierre and Longue-Pointe-de-Mingan.

On 30 December, 2020 Indigenous Services Canada (ISC), through Public Safety Canada (PS) signaled that federal assistance was required to the Ekuanitshit First Nation until the situation is stabilized. The CAF mobilized to provide Canadian Rangers support to the community.

On 31 December, 2020, Indigenous Services Canada (ISC), through Public Safety Canada (PS), requested CAF assistance.

Nine Canadian Rangers from the area worked alongside other members of the community towards the provision of humanitarian assistance and with addressing the immediate needs of this community, namely through the production and distribution of real-life support requirements such as assistance with water delivery. They were also prepared to assist with conveying information, and with supporting vulnerable elders affected by the lock down. Assigned troops will also help identify potential emerging demands of the communities in which they operate.

The community water supply has been re-established and water has been confirmed potable. The community members that had been evacuated are now back in Ekuanitshit. The Province of Quebec no longer requires CAF assistance in location and the Government Operations Centre (GOC) has thus terminated the request for CAF assistance. Transition conditions have been met and a redeployment plan has been established, in coordination with community leadership.

On 2 January, 2021, the CAF support to Ekuanitshit First Nation in Quebec, ended successfully. The nine CAF personnel assigned since the assistance began on 31 December 2020, and completed their tasks on 2 January, 2021. The CAF is proud to have worked alongside our partners and community members to bring needed relief and assistance.

From December 8, 2020 to January 15, 2021, 13 Canadian Rangers from the 4th Canadian Ranger Patrol Group (4 CRPG)  assisted the Fond-du-Lac Denesuline First Nation local officials in COVID-19 relief efforts. 

The Rangers provided:

• Support to the local community in the production and distribution of real-life-support requirements such as food, firewood and care packages
• Assistance with the dissemination of information from community, provincial, and federal entities related to personal protective health measures and layered risk mitigation strategies for the community

From July 9, 2021 to August 20, 2021, about 13 Canadian Rangers were activated in the community of Hatchet Lake Denesuline First Nation to support COVID-19 mitigation efforts in the community. The Rangers worked alongside members of the local First Nation to provide humanitarian assistance and address the immediate needs of this remote community. They carried out the following tasks:

• Integrated with the community leadership to coordinate activities with the Chief and Council
• Provided logistical and general support to include, but not limited to, transportation assistance, delivery of food, water, and supplies to those in self-isolation/quarantine
• Supported the community in the production and distribution of real-life-support requirements such as food, water, firewood and care packages, as well as cleaning duties
• Assisted with the distribution of information from Community, Provincial and Federal entities related to personal protective health measures and layered risk mitigation strategies

From December 3, 2020 to February 28, 2021, about 20 Canadian Rangers from the 4th Canadian Ranger Patrol Group (4 CRPG) were activated in the Hatchet Lake Denesuline First Nation to assist local officials in COVID-19 relief efforts. The Rangers provided:

• Support to the local community in the production and distribution of real-life-support requirements such as food, firewood and care packages
• Assistance with the dissemination of information from community, provincial, and federal entities related to personal protective health measures and layered risk mitigation strategies for the community

On October 25, the Canadian Armed Forces were approved to be used to assist the Province of Saskatchewan as part of a whole of Government effort to assist COVID-19 healthcare system stress.  The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) is currently supporting the Province of Saskatchewan with three distinct lines of operation. 

The first is aeromedical evacuation capability. On board to support these flights is one Medical Specialist, two Critical Care Nurses, plus the regular flight crew.  The CAF Aeromedical Bio-containment Evacuation System (ABES) was installed on a C-130J Hercules aircraft based out of Trenton, Ontario, and is being used to transfer patients as necessary. At this time, all patient transfers are anticipated to be between the provinces of Saskatchewan and Ontario, with the aircraft returning to 8 Wing Trenton on a regular basis to change aircrews.  The first Aeromedical evacuation flight arrived in Saskatoon the evening of October 25 and departed for Kingston, Ontario on October 26.

The second line of operations consists of six Critical Care Nursing Officers and one Senior Nursing Officer. These CAF members are employed at the Regina General Hospital where they will work with their counterparts from SHA.   Their first shifts in this role occurred on Thursday, October 28.

The third line of operations includes nursing support in non-acute/acute wards.  On October 29, four General Duty Nursing Officers and four Medical Technicians were employed at the Regina General Hospital as part of the CAF response. They are tasked to backfill SHA nurses assigned to support the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) surge, relieving pressure on acute care (non-ICU) in the province.

The CAF is expecting to support the province until November 19, but are prepared to extend if necessary.