21 August 2013
Gjoa Haven, Nunavut
Formally established in 1947, the Canadian Rangers are part of the Canadian Armed Forces Reserve. They provide self sufficient mobile forces in support of the military’s sovereignty and domestic operations in sparsely settled northern, coastal and isolated areas of Canada.
As most Canadian Rangers are Aboriginal, they reflect the diversity of the communities to which they belong and play an important role in advancing public recognition of Canada’s Inuit, First Nations and Métis.
Specifically, operating under the motto “Vigilans” (The Watchers), the Canadian Rangers:
- Conduct and provide support to sovereignty operations:
- Conduct, participate in and provide support to sovereignty and surveillance patrols and training in Canada;
- Conduct North Warning System patrols and inspections (this System consists of radars located along the entire Arctic coast of North America, allowing NORAD to detect all approaching aircraft);
- Report suspicious and unusual activities to the Canadian Armed Forces; and,
- Collect local data that has military significance.
- Conduct and provide assistance to Canadian Armed Forces domestic operations in Canada:
- Conduct coastal and inland water surveillance;
- Provide local knowledge and expertise (guides and advice);
- Participate in search and rescue operations;
- Provide support in response to natural or man-made disasters and humanitarian operations; and,
- Provide assistance to federal, provincial, territorial or municipal authorities.
- Maintain Canadian Armed Forces presence in the local community:
- Instruct, mentor and supervise the Junior Canadian Rangers; and,
- Participate in, and support, events in the local community, such as Yukon Quest winter sports event, Canada Day, and Remembrance Day.
In 2007, Prime Minister Harper committed to expanding and modernizing the Canadian Rangers from 4,000 Rangers in 166 patrols to 5,000 Rangers. As of August 2013, there are more than 5,000 Rangers in 178 patrols, a 25 percent increase since 2007. The Rangers are also evolving their technological capabilities, including through the use of electronic tracking and digital imagery equipment. As well, the Rangers Lee Enfield rifles will be replaced with new ruggedized 7.62 mm bolt action rifle, scheduled for delivery beginning in 2016.
There are also about 4,200 Junior Canadian Rangers in 135 patrols across the country. The Junior Canadian Rangers Program helps to achieve nation-building goals, significantly improving the quality of life of young people in the most isolated areas of Canada.
This document is also available in Inuktitut at http://pm.gc.ca/grfx/docs/20130821_BG_Rangers_IU.pdf
