Question Period Note: CANADA’S MILITARY MISSION IN AFGHANISTAN

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About

Reference number:
DND-2019-QP-00016
Date received:
Dec 10, 2019
Organization:
National Defence
Name of Minister:
Sajjan, Harjit S. (Hon.)
Title of Minister:
Minister of National Defence

Issue/Question:

  • Did the government know the war in Afghanistan was unwinnable?

Suggested Response:

  • The Canadian Armed Forces conducted operations in Afghanistan for more than 12 years.
  • We are extremely proud of the over 40,000 Canadian personnel who served there.
  • As part of the largest coalition efforts, the Canadian Armed Forces:
    • improved access to health and education for women and girls;
    • fought to protect innocent people;
    • helped Afghan Forces take charge of their country’s security; and
    • helped build key infrastructure.
  • Canada is proud of the honourable work done by our women and men in uniform who served in Afghanistan.

Background:

BACKGROUND

  • Canada’s commitment mobilized a whole-of-government mission, which included Canadian Armed Forces, police forces, public servants and civilians.

  • During Canada’s mission in Afghanistan, 158 Canadian Armed Forces members died, as well as seven Canadian civilians including a diplomat, four aid workers, a government contractor and a journalist. Thousands were left with physical and psychological injuries.

RECENT PARLIAMENTARY INTEREST

  • In comments to the media, MP Jack Harris (NDP) questioned whether Canada was misled, noting the government should be interested in knowing if it and the military were fully informed of the U.S. assessment that the war in Afghanistan was unwinnable.

RECENT MEDIA INTEREST

  • In fall 2019, media reported on the potential for review of Canada’s military mission in Afghanistan following reports from the Washington Post regarding U.S. government documents revealing the mission in Afghanistan was unwinnable. Questions are being raised regarding whether the Canadian government and military were aware.

GBA+

  • Nil.

INDIGENOUS

  • Nil.

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

Additional Information:

QUICK FACTS

  • Canada first joined the United Nations-mandated mission in Afghanistan in October 2001.

  • Canada continued to support multinational military efforts in Afghanistan until March 2014.