Question Period Note: Operation UNIFIER

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About

Reference number:
DND-2022-QP-00014
Date received:
Nov 1, 2021
Organization:
National Defence
Name of Minister:
Anand, Anita (Hon.)
Title of Minister:
Minister of National Defence

Issue/Question:

Ukraine is under constant threat from Russia, so why is this Government neglecting the people of Ukraine?

Suggested Response:

  • Canada is very concerned by Russia’s aggressive troop build-up along the Ukrainian border.
  • Our Government is closely monitoring the situation and working with key partners to discuss our concerns.
  • Canada remains committed to ensuring that Ukraine stays sovereign, secure, and stable.
  • As part of OPERATION UNIFIER, Canada has contributed approximately 245 Canadian Armed Forces members, on an ongoing basis, to train Ukrainian security forces.
  • Since 2015, we have trained over 30,000 members of Ukraine’s security forces in policing, field medicine, and maritime capacity building.
  • National Defence also provides strategic advisors to support Ukraine’s defence reform process.
  • Canada will continue to coordinate our training with partners, as we provide crucial support to help Ukraine provide for its own security.

Background:

Quick Facts

  • Mandate for Operation UNIFIER extended to March 31, 2022.

CAF Assistance being provided:

  • From 2014 to 2020, Canada supplied Ukraine with non-lethal military gear.
  • The Royal Canadian Navy trained the Ukrainian Navy in diving, navigation, damage control, and tactical communications in October 2020.
  • National Defence provides institutional level support to advance Ukraine’s defence reform process, and support its Euro-Atlantic Integration.

Gender-Based Analysis+ (GBA+):

  • A gender advisor is deployed on Op UNIFIER to ensure GBA+ aspects are integrated when planning, running, and assessing operations.
  • Canadian Armed Forces members are trained via GBA+ courses and a NATO course on Integrating Gender Perspectives.
  • In September, 2021, Canada’s Task Force in Ukraine held a one-week gender conference in Kharkiv.

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

Additional Information:

Canadian Joint Operations Command, Canadian Special Operations Forces Command, Strategic Joint Staff, Assistant Deputy Minister (Policy)