Media Advisory: Canadian Forces Launch Operation Nanook 2008

YELLOWKNIFE, NORTHWEST TERRITORIES–(EMWNews – Aug. 19, 2008) – Today, the Honourable Peter Gordon MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, will join General Walter Natynczyk, the Chief of the Defence Staff, in downtown Iqaluit, Nunavut, to launch Operation NANOOK 2008, a sovereignty operation in Canada’s eastern Arctic.

The launch ceremony will be held in conjunction with Community Day activities in the downtown area. These activities, including a day-sail aboard the frigate HMCS Toronto, a BBQ, a ball-hockey game, and an obstacle course for children, are put on by Operation NANOOK participants to thank the Iqaluit community for their support, and to enable the community to get to know some of the over 600 personnel who will be participating in the operation.

Community Day Sea Program:

7 - 8:30 a.m.        HMCS Toronto embarks day-sail passengers.
8:30 - 11:30 a.m.    Day-sail with ceremony organized by Veteran's 
                     Affairs.
11:30 - 1:00 p.m.    HMCS Toronto disembarks passengers.

Community Day Shore Program:

12 p.m.              BBQ in front of Nakasuk School commences (many 
                     concurrent activities, including an obstacle 
                     course, ball hockey game, and numerous static 
                     displays).
2 p.m.               Minister of National Defence, and the Chief of 
                     the Defence Staff arrive, Minister receives 
                     Quarter Guard. They then tour the Community Day 
                     activities.
3 p.m.               The Minister of National Defence and the Chief 
                     of the Defence Staff in turn address the 
                     Community Day attendees, and officially launch 
                     Operation NANOOK 2008, with a CP-140 Aurora 
                     Maritime Patrol Aircraft fly-past.
3:30 p.m.            The Minister of National Defence and the Chief 
                     of the Defence Staff will be available to answer 
                     questions.
4 p.m.               Community Day activities conclude.

Note to Editors:

For more information, or to participate in the at sea, or ashore programs, please contact:

Lieutenant (Navy) Jordan Holder, Public Affairs Officer, JTFN.

Cell Phone: (867) 445-4060.