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Also airdropped were five waterproof radio transmitters, costing $352.96 and five light markers at $62.93 each, according to a “Miscellaneous Loss Report” filed after the mission.

Operations in the Arctic typically cost extra.

The daily food allowances for personnel on duty in Nunavut are almost double those in most parts of Canada: $70.30 for a supper in Nunavut as opposed to $41.75. Hotels are also more expensive. A room in Arctic Bay cost $231 per night.

There was a total of $2,688 spent on meals, accommodation and incidentals.

The mission also cost $2,903 for civilian overtime and $5,910 for military salaries, although the military wages would have been paid regardless of the mission.

In the end, both the hunters and tourists got off the ice floe on their own but needed a lift by helicopter to Arctic Bay.

The Canadian Forces defended the large expense as the necessary cost of protecting Canada and Canadians.

“When human lives are at risk — although there is a dollar value attached to it — I’m not sure that a cost can really be calculated,” said Master Warrant Officer Greg Smit, a search and rescue advisor with the military’s Canadian Joint Operations Command.

“Canadians expect us to do this,” he said.

“When people are in distress in this country, we utilize our assets to find these people and bring them back to safety.”

Immediately after the rescue, the tour director told the Post that the situation “was never an emergency” and his clients “were having dinner served to them and listening to presentations” while the military was mobilizing.