About 2,500 Canadian Army soldiers from the Regular Force, Primary Reserve and the Canadian Rangers, will be training until March in several areas of Canada’s North. The Canadian Army aims to maintain and sharpen its operational capabilities in austere Arctic environments. 

The Canadian Army maintains readiness and continues to enhance its ability to operate in the North by training in highly challenging conditions in some of Canada’s most isolated regions. Troops will develop and test their advanced cold-weather survival skills, as well as prepare for quick responses to simulated threats and domestic emergencies, such as natural disasters, extreme weather events and other hazards. Highlights of the exercises will include parachute jumps and engagement involving remote First Nations communities. 

“The protection of our northern borders remains a key security priority for Canada," said Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan. "The Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces are fully committed to exercising our northern sovereignty and these Arctic training scenarios allow us to demonstrate greater visible presence in Canada’s North.” 

The exercises offer soldiers a valuable opportunity to collaborate with the Canadian Rangers, local communities, as well as other government departments and agencies. Soldiers from the United States Army National Guard, the New Zealand and Polish Armed Forces have also been invited to take part in the training in an effort to strengthen interoperability between Canada and these nations.

The northern exercises are:
 
RÉACTION ROYALE
Locations: Montréal, St-Jean, Puvirnituq, Akulivik, Inukjuak, Québec
Dates: 16 February – 6 March, 2016
Size: 1,000 soldiers
Lead: 2nd Canadian Division
 
ARCTIC RAM
Locations: Resolute Bay, NU, and Yellowknife, NWT
Dates: 8 February – 22 February, 2016
Size: Approximately 200 soldiers
Lead: 3rd Canadian Division
 
TRILLIUM RESPONSE
Location: Pickle Lake and 13 remote First Nations communities in Northern Ontario
Dates: 13 February – 21 February, 2016
Size: Approximately 900 soldiers
Lead: 4th Canadian Division
 
NORTHERN SAPPER
Location: Goose Bay, Nain, Saglek, Big Bay, Postville, Cape Kiglapait, NL
Dates: 8 February – 23 February, 2016
Size: 180 soldiers (6 U.S., 5 New Zealand and 8 Polish soldiers participating)
Lead: 5th Canadian Division
 
STALWART GOOSE
Location: Goose Bay, Nain, Cape Kakiviak, Saglek, Cape Kiglaplt, Big Bay, Tukialik, and Cartwright, NL
Dates: 4 March – 12 March, 2016
Size: 231 soldiers (Primary Reserve)
Lead: 5th Canadian Division