IQALUIT – The Canadian federal government has authorized the emergency deployment of Canadian Rangers to Gjoa Haven, Nunavut, to assist the community as it battles extreme weather and a critical disruption in water supply. Federal Emergency Management Minister Eleanor Olszewski confirmed the mobilization of the Canadian Army Reserve members to provide logistical support and distribute drinking water to the residents of the King William Island community.
The crisis began following a series of power outages caused by fierce winds and brutal Arctic conditions, which knocked out the infrastructure required for the community’s water distribution. In response to the escalating situation, local authorities declared a state of emergency. While the Qulliq Energy Corporation reported that electricity was successfully restored to all customers by Saturday afternoon, the impact on essential services remains a concern.
On Saturday, temperatures in Gjoa Haven plummeted to -25°C, complicating relief efforts. Public Safety Canada and the Canadian Armed Forces are working in close coordination to transport resources to the affected area. Minister Olszewski emphasized that the federal government remains in constant communication with the Government of Nunavut to ensure the immediate needs of the community are met during this extreme weather event.
