That severed finger — a photograph of it, at least — is part of a briefing about the realities Canadian military personnel face while taking part in Operation Nunalivut, the month-long annual defence exercise in Canada’s Arctic. Giant C-17 and Boeing 737, as well as C-130 Hercules aircraft, transport equipment and food up to Canada’s Arctic Training Centre in Resolute Bay and to other locations. Resolute Bay has a population of about 200 people. At Intrepid Bay, north of Resolute, soldiers experienced first-hand the challenges of surviving in the Arctic. Even as rising temperatures make the Arctic sea ice recede, the Canadian Forces aren’t expecting operations in the Arctic winter to become easier, availability of supplies and fuel still a challenge.

Source: National Post March 22, 2018 02:42 UTC