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International Polar Year (IPY) has led to a significant increase in research activities being undertaken by Canadian and international researchers in the Canadian Arctic. As part of IPY, over 1,750 researchers have been working across the North at more than 100 research sites since 2007. Conducting research in some of the most remote corners of Canada’s Arctic, often under challenging conditions, involves complex logistics and special attention to matters of health and safety. For that reason, numerous initiatives have been undertaken to ensure the health and safety of researchers and Northerners during International Polar Year. As IPY science moves from the field into the laboratory, a lasting legacy has been created of enhanced capacity in the North to conduct research, search and rescue and emergency preparedness.
To advise the Government of Canada Program for IPY, a Logistics Advisory Committee was established in 2006. This committee included Northerners with expertise in the logistical, health, safety and security challenges of carrying out research in the North. The committee provided invaluable support to the development of the IPY Logistics for Health and Safety Framework, workplan objectives and proposal review.
Emergency Preparedness
Eleven organizations across the North with emergency preparedness responsibilities received support from the Government of Canada Program for IPY. Funding was used to assist with numerous initiatives ranging from the purchase of specialized health and safety equipment, to the hiring and training of additional personnel, to enhancing Canadian Coast Guard presence in Arctic waters for search and rescue. Some of the highlights of these investments include: VHF radios and satellite phones for the NWT Emergency Measures Office, 9 new amphibious all-terrain vehicles for the Government of Nunavut, improved ice and weather information to assist IPY researchers working in the field, and additional fuel caches in the High Arctic. In total, 210 search and rescue volunteers were trained and more than 60 Northerners were hired to improve emergency preparedness in the North during IPY and beyond. Details about these and other initiatives are outlined in the table below.
Northern Research Facilities
Northern research facilities help make the North accessible for scientists by providing vital services, including air and overland transportation, communication and field equipment, accommodations, expert advice and much more. A number of these facilities were built for the last IPY – the International Geophysical Year in 1957-1958 – and few have received any substantial upgrades since then. As part of IPY 2007 – 2008, northern research facilities were given much-needed upgrades and outdated and unsafe equipment was replaced. Funding provided during IPY ensured that 18 northern research facilities were able to respond to the health and safety needs of scientists during IPY and beyond.
Field Logistics
With increased travel, shipping and fuel prices since the start of IPY additional logistics funding was allocated to 21 different research teams during the 2009 field season. Recipients used the funding for ship time, air support, equipment, travel costs, salaries and training for students and local guides.
