Many questions about search and rescue issues

In the North, they will always be situations where someone out on the land or water will have to be rescued, assisted or searched for.

Many experienced hunters who are with the search and rescue groups are there to help out as much as they can. Many who are not with the search and rescue also volunteer their time.

The search and rescue gets many donations, such as gas, bannock, tea — the list goes on. These are a must when out searching in the tundra in the winter or the vast seas during the boating season. 

There have also been fundraising by people who want to help out.

As a northerner I am a little concerned with what needs improving with the search and rescue.

These are my concerns:

• When a hunter’s hunting gear has broken down in a search, is this covered?

• When a hunter goes to another community to help with the search, is the air fare paid?

• Are there skidoos or boats put aside specifically for the search and rescue team? If not, should the Government of Nunavut or the federal government have this set up?

• How many hours is it reasonable to wait before calling the search and rescue to report a hunter that has not returned? Has there been a public service announcement with this phone number to report a hunter that has not returned?

• Should the searchers have a passenger on their snowmobile while out searching? It is known the passenger can see more than a driver. The driver is keeping an eye on what is ahead of them, not able to look around. I think the searchers should consider passengers.

• Are there posters or pamphlets around the city explaining the essentials to bring when going out on the land for a few hours or days?

Those are just a few concerns, but I am sure there are other people with other questions or concerns.

I think some things need to be fixed or improved. Since the search and rescue volunteers train in Iqaluit is going on, I think these should be considered.

(Name withheld by request)
Iqaluit

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