YELLOWKNIFE, N.W.T. - Operation LANCASTER is a joint and integrated domestic operation taking place from August 12-25 in Canada’s Eastern Arctic. It will contribute to Canadian sovereignty in the Arctic waters along the eastern and northern coasts of Baffin Island. Sailors, soldiers and airmen and airwomen will conduct operations in support of sovereignty and surveillance of these areas, including the waters of Lancaster Sound, the eastern entrance/terminus of Canadian internal arctic waters.
Operation LANCASTER is directed by Canada Command and executed by Joint Task Force North (JTFN) with forces participating from Joint Task Force (Atlantic), Joint Task Force (East) and Combined Force Air Component Command (CFACCA) as well Operation LANCASTER will have representation from Other Government Departments (OGDs): Canadian Ice Service will provide information on arctic ice; shipping and pollution; the RCMP will conduct community policing and conduct a grave restoration on Devon Island; Parks Canada will co-locate with the two army observation posts located in Sirmilik National Park; the Fisheries and Oceans Canada will take part in a fisheries patrol with the Canadian Navy; and the Canadian Coast Guard Ship, CCGS Henry Larsenwill also participate. The Government of Nunavut will co-host community day events in the various communities.
“Operation LANCASTER provides an excellent training opportunity for the Canadian Forces,” said Colonel Chris Whitecross, Commander of JTFN. “This operation will hone the skills required to operate in the North and enhance partnerships and interoperability between the CF and other government departments.”
“Arctic sovereignty falls directly in line with Canada Command’s mandate to protect and defend,” said Lieutenant-General Marc Dumais, the Commander of Canada Command. “Operation LANCASTER is a perfect example of Canada Command’s ability to thoroughly plan and execute operations within a domestic military context.”
The operation will commence with all levels of Government and the Canadian Forces hosting Canadian Forces Days in Iqaluit, Nunavut, 12-13 August 2006. The kick-off to Operation LANCASTER coincides with the maximum concentration of ships, land forces, Canadian Rangers, aircraft and Cadets in Iqaluit. Community visits will take place throughout the operation with naval ships and CF personnel also visiting the communities of Pond Inlet, Clyde River, and Qikiqtarjuaq.
The joint task forces will conduct routine Sovereignty Patrols (air, land, sea) northward up the Baffin Coast and in the Lancaster Sound region in concert with the involved OGD’s. HMCS Montreal will stop at Devon Island where a RCMP grave restoration will take place. The operation’s contingent will then join together in Pond Inlet to take part in a community day on August 21. The Commander of Canada Command, Lieutenant-General Marc Dumais will be on hand for the ceremony along with the Commander of JTFN, Colonel Chris Whitecross. The operation continues with an integrated fisheries patrol involving the Canadian Navy and Fisheries and Oceans Canada, operating in the Davis Strait enroute back to Iqaluit.
Operation LANCASTER follows another similar operation, Operation BEAUFORT, which is currently taking place in the Western Arctic.
JTFN is responsible for the conduct of all routine and contingency domestic operations in Northern Canada. It is one of six regional commands that all fall under Canada Command, which is the authority for all Canadian military operations in North America.
For further information on Operation Lancaster, contact:
Captain Joanna Labonté
Public Affairs Officer
Joint Task Force North
Telephone: (867) 765-8612
labonte.jk@forces.gc.ca
or Summer Halliday
Deputy Public Affairs
Joint Task Force North
Telephone: (867) 873-0700 ext 6922
labonte.jk@forces.gc.ca
