The Canadian Forces have embarked on what has become in recent years an annual Arctic sovereignty exercise as means to both familiarize and prepare personnel and troops with operating in Canada’s north.  This year’s Operation Nanook involves three scenarios: oil spill from a cargo vessel, disease outbreak on a cruise ship including a hostage-taking incident and a fire aboard another vessel.  These scenarios are events which could transpire due in part to the increased activity of commercial shipping in the region as the Northwest Passage as example is becoming navigable.  

Operation Nanook will be taking place in the Eastern Canadian Arctic (Baffin Island region) and includes some 120 troops, 2 navy ships, Canadian Rangers, Aurora search and rescue/surveillance aircraft and a host of government agencies.  

Here is a link to an article for further information:

Military invades Iqaluit for Operation Nanook – Nunatsiaq News