The Toronto Star ran a story today on a performance review study by the RCAF on the effectiveness of their SAR bases. 

While it recommended changes to the East Coast Base, it stated "the study finds little reason for a dedicated Arctic rescue team, despite high-profile disasters last year that led to renewed calls for a more robust northern presence."  I find this hard to believe (the claim, not that it was made), especially with activity ramping up in a warming climate.  SAR response times to the Territories are measured in hours which really takes the word 'effective' out of 'effective response'.