Canadian Rangers Graduation Parade
Cambridge Bay, Nunavut
8 - 10 February, 2013

The Commissioners of three territories out on the land with the Canadian Rangers
By Captain Sandra Lévesque, Public Affairs Officer, Joint Task Force (North)

For the first time, Cambridge Bay, Nunavut, hosted the Commissioners of all three territories from 8 to 10 February, 2013. Accompanied by the Commander of Joint Task Force (North), Brigadier-General Guy Hamel, the three Commissioners had the opportunity to experience the harsh reality of being out on the land with the Canadian Rangers.

Indeed, Commissioners Douglas Philips of the Yukon Territory, George Tuccaro of the Northwest Territories, and Edna Elias of Nunanut, visited the Canadian Rangers during their Ranger Developement Phase 2 training, approximately 35 kilometres southwest of Cambridge Bay and stayed overnight with them at their main camp.

“The aim of the Development Phase 2 training, conducted over a three week period, is to develop Ranger Sergeants to command the different Ranger Patrols throughout the North”, said Major Jeff Allen, Commanding Officer of 1st Canadian Ranger Patrol Group. “The training focuses on differents aspects such as conducting patrols, constructing an aircraft landing strip, conducting a small arms range, ammunition safety regulations, and calculating patrol resupply needs.”

A key component of the Canadian Rangers Program, the Developement Phase 2 training provides Canadian Ranger leaders with the basic leadership principles, skills and knowledge necessary to perform their duties within a patrol.

A graduation parade marked the end of the Development Phase 2 training on Sunday, 10 February at the Community Centre in Cambridge Bay. During this parade several medals were presented including the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, and the Special Service Medal for Canadian Rangers. A special honour was bestowed on Brigadier-General Hamel and Chief Warrant Officer Laroche when they were made Honorary Rangers.

Despite the frigid temperature, all the visitors enjoyed their unique experience. After all, the best way to appreciate the work of the Canadian Rangers is to spend a full day and a night with them out on the land when the thermometer dips to minus 40.

Photos of the events:

	Commissioner George Tuccaro of the Northwest Territories, Douglas Philips of the Yukon Territory, and Edna Elias of Nunavut stand with Major Jeff Allen, Commanding Officer of 1st Canadian Rangers Patrol Group (left) and Brigadier-General Guy Hamel, Commander of Joint Task Force (North) (right) during the graduation parade on 10 February, 2013 in Cambridge Bay, Nunavut.
The Canadian flag flutters in the wind while the first snowmobile of the patrol departs Cambridge Bay, Nunavut to reach the Canadian Rangers out on the land on 8 February, 2013.
	Commissioner Edna Elias stands at the Canadain Rangers camp while the Canadian flag flies in the background.
Commissioner Edna Elias smiles at a Canadian Ranger during the graduation parade which marks the end of the Development Phase 2 training on 10 February, 2013.
	Three territorial Commissioners Elias, Tuccaro and Phillips join Brig. Gen. Hamel in the inspection of Canadian Rangers in Cambridge Bay, Feb 10/13.