Joint Task Force North Command Team Welcome

Congratulations on your upcoming posting to Canada’s North!  Joint Task Force (North) (JTFN) is a family of Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members and Department of National Defence (DND) Public and Non-Public civilian personnel and their families across the three Territories.  

Largest CAF region in Canada

We exist to plan, conduct, and support the execution of operations across the largest CAF Region in Canada. You will soon realize that there are a wide variety of opportunities that come with service north of the 60th parallel.  JTFN Headquarters (JTFN HQ) is the main command element located in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories (NWT).  To stay connected with other government departments and agencies at the federal, territorial, municipal level, with Indigenous governments and designated organizations, as well as other defense and security partners, small JTFN HQ detachments operate in Whitehorse Yukon Territory (YT) and in Iqaluit Nunavut (NU).  

Team North

We refer to all CAF and DND elements in the North as “Team North” and we are extremely proud of our motto: Custos Borealis, or Guardians of the North.  

Beyond JTFN HQ, “Team North” is also comprised of the following Yellowknife-based units; the Royal Canadian Air Force’s 440 Transport Squadron (home of the Vampires); the headquarters of the Canadian Army’s 1st Canadian Ranger Patrol Group (1 CRPG), which exercises command and control of 1800 Rangers divided into patrols across 60 northern communities.  1 CRPG also supports over 1600 Junior Canadian Rangers.  Finally, we are home to several support Detachments from Canadian Army’s 3rd Canadian Division Support Group (CDSG), 1 Field Ambulance, the Army Reserve’s Loyal Edmonton Regiment (LER) as well as Cadet Corps in several locales.  

A Rewarding and challenging posting

A posting to Canada’s North can be both rewarding and challenging. It is important to do your research, avoid making assumptions, and ask the right questions based on your specific role, and your personal or family situation. Expect the cost of living to be a bit higher than what you have previously experienced, and the quality of housing to be slightly lower than you may have had in the past; however, these realities are far outweighed by several region-specific allowances, compensation and benefits, as well as the opportunity to work and live in some of the most beautiful areas of our great country. Ensure you clearly understand these benefits as well as the cost of living in the North as part of your screening. There are also many spousal employment opportunities in the public and private sectors. However, those job offers may not necessarily align with prior career fields and qualifications. Flexibility is key.

Unique experience

For those that are moving to either Detachment Whitehorse or Detachment Iqaluit, your experience will be unique, and you will find yourselves part of a wider federal employee community in your respective territorial capitals. Iqaluit is certainly more remote than the two other JTFN locations, and you should plan and prepare accordingly. 

As a member of “Team North” stationed in Yellowknife, you will have an opportunity and experience few members of the CAF are afforded.  Not unlike other postings, a tour “North of 60” will be what you make of it. That said, there will be many things you may not have expected; Operations take place year-round in either planning or execution phases. We are not a typical Base or Wing, and many of the associated support services are not offered. As such, we partner with community organizations for some family services. While our Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC) and Personnel Support Program (PSP) staff are small teams, they are very engaged and will help make your stay an enriching experience. You will also find an active Mess calendar and there will be many social opportunities for all ages.  For those who enjoy the outdoors your tour with “Team North” will prove one of your most memorable. 

Welcome

Again, a tour in the North can be both very rewarding and challenging.  You and your family will play a key role in setting the conditions for a successful posting. Have a safe and adventurous move to the North, and we look forward to meeting you and your family members once you are settled.

Custos Borealis (Guardians of the North)

BGen Daniel Rivière – Commander JTFN
CWO Don Farr – Formation CWO