Question Period Note: Peacekeeping

Why has Canada still not committed a Quick Reaction Force to the UN even though the promise was made in 2017?

• Canada’s support for peace operations is critical to promoting peace and stability around the world.
• That is why Canada recently announced $85 million for new projects and contributions to continue responding to the needs of UN peace operations.
• As global dynamics and UN needs evolve, Canada continues to assess how to best contribute military capabilities, including opportunities to provide a Quick Reaction Force.
• National Defence is committed to contributing additional specialized military capabilities to UN and non-UN peace support operations.
• For example, we recently provided training to the Rwandan and Ugandan militaries on how to leverage the roles of women peacekeepers to improve operational effectiveness and better connect with all members of local populations.
• Our members are also currently providing tactical airlift support to UN operations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
• Canada will continue to strengthen peacekeeping globally through our ongoing military assistance and financial support.

Quick Facts

Current numbers

• 25 military peacekeepers (20% women) deployed on 5 UN operations.
• 55 military peacekeepers also deployed to the non-UN Multinational Force and Observers mission in the Sinai.

Op PRESENCE

• Since August 2019, Canada’s CC-130J aircraft in Uganda has transported over 1,000 personnel and 960,000 pounds of cargo, and has logged almost 200 flight hours.
• In fall 2021, Canada deployed nine trainers to Rwanda and Uganda to train Engagement Platoon trainers.

Background

Op PRESENCE

• Op PRESENCE is the Canadian Armed Forces’ contribution to the Government of Canada’s support to United Nations peace operations.
• This includes the commitment of high-value military capabilities to various United Nations peacekeeping missions.
  • The Mali Air Task Force capability was delivered from 2018 to 2019.
  • Canadian Armed Forces tactical airlift support to UN missions in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan was renewed in July 2021, and will continue until March 31, 2022.
  • In August 2021, Canada’s presence in Mali was renewed until March 31, 2022.
• National Defence and Global Affairs Canada are currently seeking renewal of authorities to UN peace operations which expire on March 31, 2021.
• Our contributions of personnel, funds, and high value enablers are greatly valued by our partners. These contribute to filling capability gaps that are critical to sustaining peace operations, and increasing their effectiveness.

Elsie Initiative for Women in Peace Operations

• Canada launched the Elsie Initiative for Women in Peace Operations at the 2017 UN Peacekeeping Defence Ministerial in Vancouver. It is a multilateral pilot project to help overcome barriers and increase the meaningful participation of uniformed women in UN peace operations, with a focus on police and military roles.
• An Assessment of the Ghana Armed Forces was recently completed by the Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance and Cornell University to determine the primary barriers to increasing the meaningful participation of Ghanaian women in UN peace operations.
  • Three top barriers to women’s participation were identified:
    • Eligible pool of candidates;
    • Preconceived ideas about gender roles; and,
    • Social exclusion.
• National Defence is currently developing plans to provide training and support to the Ghana Armed Forces and increase the participation of Ghanaian women in UN peace operations.

Engagement Platoon

• The UN Engagement Platoon is a new capability in peacekeeping. The intent for these platoons is to be composed of 50% women, with an aim to leverage expertise and gender diversity to break down engagement barriers with local populations, identify vulnerable areas and at-risk populations, and provide enhanced situational awareness.
• Canada has provided significant support to the development of the Engagement Platoon training materials. National Defence has provided expertise to the UN for these materials, and Global Affairs Canada has contributed around $450,000 to the effort as part of their support to innovative training for peacekeeping.

Dallaire Centre of Excellence for Peace and Security

• We established the Dallaire Centre of Excellence for Peace and Security to ensure that the Vancouver Principles on Peacekeeping and the Prevention of the Recruitment and Use of Child Soldiers are fully integrated into the doctrine and practice of the Canadian Armed Forces.

Responsible Principals: Assistant Deputy Minister (Policy)

December 16, 2021

Assistant Deputy Minister (Policy)