Canada is playing a strong and constructive role in the world by making concrete contributions to international peace and security – including at the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
During the NATO Summit in Warsaw, Canada worked closely with our Allies to adjust NATO’s strategy to address the evolving security concerns around the world – including Russia’s interference in Ukraine, and the arc of instability across the Middle East and North Africa.
At the Summit, Canada and our Allies took steps to enhance NATO’s forward presence in Central and Eastern Europe. The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, announced that Canada will join the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany as one of Four Framework Nations that will lead multinational NATO battlegroups in Eastern Europe.
The NATO leaders also agreed to bolster support for Iraq through defence capacity building, and will provide air surveillance capabilities to the Global Coalition to Counter ISIL. On Canada’s behalf, the Prime Minister announced that Canada will contribute to NATO’s counter-improvised explosive device (C-IED) capacity building efforts for Iraq.
The Prime Minister and his counterparts also discussed the future of Afghanistan and the important role that NATO must continue to play there. The Government of Canada announced a comprehensive package – worth $465 million – of security support and development assistance to Afghanistan. This funding will be used to sustain the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces, to support women’s and girls’ rights and empowerment, and to help meet the basic needs of Afghans.
Quote
“Canada has been a committed member of NATO since the Alliance was founded almost 70 years ago, and all Canadians are safer for it. In Warsaw – together with our Allies and partners – we took important steps that will promote international peace and security, and help us to better respond to today’s complex security challenges. Canada’s key contributions to NATO, including our decision to establish an enhanced forward presence in Central and Eastern Europe, will reinforce our collective defence and support regional stability.”
– Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
Quick Facts
- The Prime Minister also announced that Canada will periodically deploy air assets to NATO for operational tasks including air policing and bilateral exercises, and will continue to deploy a frigate as part of NATO’s maritime task force under the framework of Operation REASSURANCE.
- Allies also met with representatives from Georgia and Ukraine, and affirmed NATO’s continued support to these partners.
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