The Canadian Army will conduct Exercise STAGED RESPONSE 2017, an annual emergency response exercise, from May 5 to 7, 2017, in locations throughout western Nova Scotia. This exercise will confirm the 5th Canadian Division’s ability to initiate and support Joint Task Force Atlantic in the conduct of domestic operations in response to major emergencies in Atlantic Canada, in a timely and effective manner.
Humanitarian and Disaster Response is part of the Canadian Armed Forces core mandate and was demonstrated in January, 2017, when 5th Canadian Division troops deployed on Operation LENTUS to support residents of northeastern New Brunswick who were affected by a major ice storm.
During Exercise STAGED RESPONSE 2017, Reserve and Regular Force soldiers from 36 and 37 Canadian Brigade Groups will establish Territorial Battalion Group headquarters in locations throughout western Nova Scotia and exercise the Command and Control elements of an emergency response operation.
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“Exercise STAGED RESPONSE 2017 is a valuable training opportunity that confirms that 5th Canadian Division commanders and staff are ready to plan and implement operations in response to potential emergency situations that affect Canadian citizens. The safety and security of Canadians is our highest priority, so it is important for us to maintain a high level of readiness in order to be able to respond to the call for assistance from the Government of Canada whenever required.”
Colonel George Thomson, Exercise Director, Exercise STAGED RESPONSE 2017
Quick Facts
· Exercise STAGED RESPONSE 2017 is an annual emergency response exercise that is held in Atlantic Canada and is attended by soldiers from throughout the region.
· More than 200 Reserve and Regular Force soldiers will participate in Exercise STAGED RESPONSE 2017, with the majority of troops situated in armouries in Truro and Pictou, Nova Scotia.
· Members of the 5th Canadian Division’s Immediate Response Unit, a team that is ready to deploy at short notice in support of domestic operations, will be participating in Exercise STAGED RESPONSE 2017. This unit deployed to northeastern New Brunswick in late January 2017, for Operation LENTUS, to provide support to residents affected by a major ice storm.
· Domestic operations are initiated when the Government of Canada receives an official request for assistance from provincial governments.
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Source: Media Release