This is a terrible loss of life and our thoughts and prayers are with the families.
No one should live/work in a remote environment without adequate protection.
Having lived and worked in the far north, I can attest to the need to be armed with a .12 guage shotgun and large calibre pistol.
My choice in the latter category was a .44 Ruger Magnum with a 6" barrel.
Photo by KT Miller /Polar Bears International