Harper on hot seat over ‘glaring weaknesses’ in country’s Arctic rescue system

HAY RIVER, N.W.T. – Even as Prime Minister Stephen Harper touts the Canadian Rangers as a pillar of search and rescue in the North, a new report warns of “glaring weaknesses” in Canada’s ability to respond to Arctic emergencies.

The Defence Science Advisory Board report describes Far North rescue missions as “significant and complex,” noting that Ottawa wants to address the challenge with a series of international partnerships.

The 72-page analysis, written in April 2012, cited 27 incidents in the North since 2009 that exposed weaknesses — particularly the limited number of military and civilian aircraft able to respond to emergencies.

The report also concludes there are not enough ships able to respond to maritime disasters, including oil spills.

The report’s authors also say major communication “voids”exist above the Northwest Passage, and the Rangers that can respond have no air mobile or sealift capabilities.

Harper says Canada’s search-and-rescue system is being reviewed, but insists the Rangers remain a vital part of that system.