Strengthening Community Bonds

How mutual aid fosters stronger, more resilient communities

In today’s world, collaboration and mutual support are more critical than ever. In Rankin Inlet, Nunavut, the Meliadine mine has developed an inspiring bond with the Rankin Inlet Fire Department. What started out as a Mutual Aid Agreement in January 2021 has grown into a successful partnership that benefits not just these organizations but the whole community.

Building Stronger Bonds Through Weekly Training

Starting in March 2023, members of the Meliadine mine’s Emergency Response Team (ERT) have been volunteering their time and expertise to join the Rankin Inlet Fire Department’s weekly training sessions. The primary goal is to enhance their mutual aid agreement, learn from one another, and ensure they are well-prepared for emergency situations.

One of the highlights of this collaboration was the joint training exercise leading up to the 2023 Northern Mining Health & Safety Forum Mine Rescue Competition in Yellowknife. For several days, members from the Meliadine ERT trained with the Rankin Inlet Fire Department, including two days of firefighting training at the state-of-the-art Regional Firefighter Training Centre in Rankin Inlet. They also devoted three days to rope rescue training, guided by an expert brought in specifically for the occasion.

According to Meliadine’s Health & Safety Superintendent, Charles-Andre Langevin, “These sessions were a great success. We were proud to learn from Rankin’s firefighters but also to share our emergency response knowledge. There is no doubt these joint efforts will make us stronger when an emergency arises, both in the community and onsite.”

Keeping Employees & the Community Safe

This collaboration has a significant impact not only on the participating teams but on the broader community. Chris Pitre, the Mine Rescue Captain of the Meliadine mine’s ERT, highlighted the advantages of training in real-world conditions with the Rankin Inlet Fire Department. He emphasized the positive effect it has on both teams, not just professionally but also in terms of community building and relationship development.

“There are limited resources in Rankin Inlet to fight fires. Now, they’ve got an additional 70-plus ERT crew to support them, which is really going to be helpful as the town grows. Our eyes get brighter because we are involved in the community in a positive way, and they get to train with us and bring their training to the next level. At the end of the day they’re here to help us and we’re here to help them.”

Mark Wyatt, Rankin Inlet’s Fire Chief, expressed his satisfaction with how the mutual aid agreement has evolved into a partnership. He emphasized the enhanced training opportunities and camaraderie that have emerged from this collaboration, enabling the sharing of resources and the improvement of skills vital for firefighting and emergency response.

“Our goal is to work together, support each other in times of need, and help keep the community safe. This mutual aid agreement is helping us foster stronger, more resilient communities.”

Community Strength Through Mutual Aid

This evolving partnership showcases the power of collaboration and mutual support in emergency response and preparedness. By sharing knowledge, training resources, and, most importantly, building strong relationships, the Meliadine mine and the Rankin Inlet Fire Department are not just organizations with a mutual aid agreement; they have become a united team.