The Arctic Security Working Group (ASWG) had its first of two meetings this year at the Gold Rush Inn from Tuesday through today.

The ASWG meets twice a year to enhance the interaction between the federal and territorial governments, as well as other Canadian non-governmental organizations, to address security and safety issues in the Arctic.

The group was started in 1999 when the Canadian Forces came together with different departments to provide a forum where they could discuss Arctic issues and exchange information.

'It became abundantly clear that if something happened in the North, you can't go it alone,' said Canadian Forces Brigadier-General Chris Whitecross, also chairperson of the ASWG.

'The idea came about in 1999 to get together a couple times a year with our federal and territorial counterparts, people in the private industry, basically whoever's interested and is a stakeholder in the North.'

Sixty representatives from various agencies and organizations gathered to discuss the set agenda which is discussed at every meeting, as well as address new issues.

The meetings are held in May and November of every year, with the spring meetings rotating between Whitehorse and Iqaluit, and the November meetings always taking place in Yellowknife.

One of the major issues addressed in this meeting was the International Polar Year, a two-year program of science, research and education focused on climate change, and how that will impact the environment and people living in the northern communities.

Another major issue was the security of mail, which was raised during last November's meeting.

The ASWG talked to Canada Post about any contraband material being moved through the mail system and gained updates about their processes and how they can work with different forces to ensure the security of mail.

'It's a bit of a different issue in the western Arctic because there's more of a road network for moving goods, but in the east, there's more reliance upon mail and aircraft,' Whitecross said. 'So we're interested in seeing how drugs and alcohol are being sent to northern communities.'

Whitecross said the strength of the ASWG is the situational learning that is happening at all levels, whether it's within the federal or territorial departments, or some of the other groups.

'There's an opportunity to speak in a wholistic sense, in an integrated sense, and everyone gets the idea of what's going on in other departments, and that focus group is key. We know that we can't do things on our own here, and we need to be able to share information.

'We really want some tangible products to come out of these meetings, and Operation Narwhal is a great example because it was extremely successful.'

The ASWG spearheaded the recent Operation Narwhal, which was a simulated terrorist attack on the Mackenzie Delta gas industry. Five hundred troops from the south were brought in and worked hand-in-hand with the Yukon Emergency Measures Organization, RCMP and other agencies

'It was a three-year undertaking, and the genesis of Operation Narwhal came from ASWG. It gave us the opportunity to figure out how we co-operate together, who do we call when something happens, where are we duplicating efforts, and where are the gaps in our capabilities.'

Another major concern is the increased air traffic in the North. In the last 10 years, the number of flights a day has risen from approximately 45 to more than 350 flights a day.

'It's important because that increases the risk and potential for a major air disaster,' Whitecross said. 'More importantly, we have to be prepared for it.'

The Canadian Forces are charged with major air disasters anywhere in Canada, and is in the process of rewriting its major air disaster plan.

The Canadian Forces are also increasing their number of troops up north again this summer, as it did last summer as well.

However, according to Whitecross, it's not the permanent presence that needs to be concentrated on, but the ability to project military forces into the North and have them operate on their own.

'It's not just a matter of throwing a rucksack on someone from the south and giving them a parka and a hat and saying, Go north and operate.'

'You have to learn about not just the culture, but how to sustain yourself in an operational context, and that's the type of training we've been doing lately.'

Erin Deacon from the Yukon's Emergency Measures Organization also noted the information sharing, relationship building and interagency co-operation is the main strength of each meeting.