Question Period Note: PROPOSED PEACEKEEPING OPERATION IN UKRAINE

Back to search

About

Reference number:
DND-2019-QP-00013
Date received:
Dec 6, 2019
Organization:
National Defence
Name of Minister:
Sajjan, Harjit S. (Hon.)
Title of Minister:
Minister of National Defence

Issue/Question:

  • Will this government support the creation of a peacekeeping mission in Ukraine?

Suggested Response:

  • Canada’s support to Ukraine remains unwavering.
  • This is why the Canadian Armed Forces is providing valuable training to Ukrainian security forces as part of an existing multinational effort.
  • Approximately 200 Canadian Armed Forces members currently provide specialized military training and capacity building to Ukrainian forces.
  • We are helping enable Ukrainian forces to defend their country’s sovereignty and contribute to regional and international stability.
  • Canada will continue to provide this valuable training to foster peace and security in Ukraine.

Background:

BACKGROUND

  • In 2015, Canada launched its military training mission in Ukraine in response to requests from the Government of Ukraine. Approximately 200 Canadian Armed Forces members are deployed at one time to Ukraine on a rotational basis. The Canadian Armed Forces provide Ukrainian Security Forces with specialized training to help them maintain stability and security. This includes military engineering and military police training, combat medical training, as well as mentorship and guidance.

  • The Canadian Armed Forces provides this valuable training to Ukrainian security forces, alongside the United States, United Kingdom, Lithuania, Poland, and Sweden, to coordinate training, equipping, and capacity building efforts.

RECENT PARLIAMENTARY INTEREST

  • Over the course of the 42nd parliamentary session, there has been sustained interest in Russian aggression in Eastern Europe. As a result, parliamentary committees have produced a total of five reports relating to the issue. As part of a study on Canada’s support to Ukraine, the House Standing Committee on National Defence recommended that the Government advocate for the creation of a UN peacekeeping mission in Ukraine.

RECENT MEDIA INTEREST

  • During the election campaign, the Conservative Party included a proposal for UN peacekeeping in Ukraine as a platform commitment. Following the election, the CBC published an article on the possibility of Canada leading such a peacekeeping mission in Eastern Ukraine.

GBA+

  • While strategies for harassment training and gender perspective training are being implemented in Ukrainian security institutions, Ukrainian security forces place restrictions on women in certain officer trades. Canada continues to look for opportunities to advance gender and diversity as part of its work with Ukraine.

INDIGENOUS

  • Nil.

Responsible Principals: Assistant Deputy Minister (Policy), Canadian Joint Operations Command, Strategic Joint Staff

Additional Information:

QUICK FACTS

  • On March 18, 2019, Canada announced the renewal of its training mission in Ukraine (Operation UNIFIER) until March 31, 2022.

  • Canada delivers this training alongside the United States, the United Kingdom, Lithuania, Poland, and Sweden.

  • Since 2015, the Canadian Armed Forces have trained over 13,000 Ukrainian Security Forces through over 294 courses.