The Canadian Coast Guard’s only Arctic research icebreaker, the Amundsen left Quebec City yesterday for a 114 day scientific expedition through the Labrador Sea, Baffin Bay, the Davis Strait and Arctic Ocean. About 30 scientists are on board along with more than 165 researchers representing 11 Canadian universities, federal departments and Inuit communities. The research will include the collection of samples more than 3000 metres below the ocean surface, the exploration of remote and under-studied Arctic regions and visits to a number of northern communities for special science and cultural day activities.