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Canada’s over one thousand servicemen participate in Nanook Operation

Canadian Armed Forces not only demonstrate during the Nanook Operation their presence in the North, but also contribute to the implementation of Canada's strategy

OTTAWA, August 2 (Itar-Tass) - Canada's military exercise Nanook of 2013, designed to "strengthen sovereignty" of that country in the Arctic, begins on Friday in four districts of the vast northern territories of Yukon and Nunavut. The operation will involve over one thousand soldiers, two warships, and several airplanes.

Canada’s Defense Minister Robert Nicholson says Canadian Armed Forces not only demonstrate during the Nanook Operation their presence in the North, but also contribute to the implementation of Canada's strategy in the region.

The involved units will practice through to August 23 different training tasks on response to threats, assistance to local law enforcement agencies, and interaction with local authorities in case of emergencies. Groups of rangers will, among others, make landings on the islands Cornwallis, King William and Resolution.

In addition to the Nanook exercise, the Defense Ministry organizes an annual operation Nunakput in the Western Arctic and the Nunalivut operation in the Far North. According to broadcaster CTV, the operations are designed to demonstrate to the world that Canada is an Arctic country.