Lots of chest thumping here. Not sure how familiar many people are with northern Canada, but google James bay and look at area to the east of it (where he was), you are looking at a wilderness size of 4 or 5 American states combined and there could be literally no road or town within hundreds of miles. To canoe there you are likely be dropped off by somebody in a plane, return to your starting point does absolutely nothing to help you because you are still in middle of nowhere. This isn't in US or UK where you can walk to the next town and call home from the gas station.

As for the self righteous "OMG he ate his dog people", gimme a break, easy to say that when your fridge is 10 yards away but if you are in his situation you'd do it too.