Reference Material – Question Period
Advice to the Minister
Military Exercises with the People’s Liberation Army
Question: Why is the Canadian Armed Forces engaging in military exercises and defence activities with the People’s Liberation Army?
- Canada remains committed to being a reliable player in the Asia-Pacific region through consistent engagement and strong partnerships.
- The Canadian Armed Forces have not engaged in bilateral training exercises with China in 2019 and 2020.
- In parallel with the whole-of-government review of Canada’s approach to China, National Defence is currently reviewing its engagements with the Chinese military.
- Canada will continue to engage in the Asia-Pacific region in a manner that promotes peace and security around the world.
If pressed on Canadian citizens detained in China:
- Canada remains deeply concerned by China’s actions, including the arbitrary detention and sentencing of Canadian citizens.
Quick Facts
- 2019 World Military Games:
- The Canadian Armed Forces sent a delegation of 114 athletes to the 2019 World Military Games in Wuhan, China.
- 9,308 military athletes from 109 countries took part in the Games, including 25 of 27 NATO countries.
- Winter Survival Training Initiative:
- A proposed 2019 winter training observation by the Canadian Armed Forces and the People’s Liberation Army did not take place.
- In January 2018, the Canadian Armed Forces sent a delegation to China to observe winter training conducted by the People’s Liberation Army.
- In February 2018, the People’s Liberation Army sent a delegation to Canada to observe winter survival training conducted by the Canadian Armed Forces.
- Defence Attaché
- The Canadian Armed Forces maintain a Defence Attaché at the Canadian embassy in Beijing, China, as part of a longstanding policy of fostering defence relations with foreign militaries around the world.
Responsible Principals: Assistant Deputy Minister (Policy), Strategic Joint Staff, Canadian Army
January 15, 2021
Canadian Arctic Sovereignty
Question: What is Canada doing to protect national sovereignty in the Arctic?
- This Government is enhancing the ability of the Canadian Armed Forces to operate in a changing Arctic security environment.
- That is why we are acquiring six new Arctic and Offshore Patrol ships, one of which has already been received and another one is expected in 2021.
- These ships will provide armed, sea-borne surveillance of Canadian waters, including in the Arctic.
- National Defence is also committed to acquiring next generation surveillance aircraft and remotely piloted systems to expand our Arctic capabilities.
- The Canadian Armed Forces will continue to maintain a persistent and active presence in the North through regular operations.
- This includes the work of the Canadian Rangers and deepening our relations with Indigenous communities at the heart of Canada’s North.
- Canada will continue to work with our allied counterparts in the Arctic, and protect the international rules-based order.
Responsible Principals: Assistant Deputy Minister (Policy), Canadian Joint Operations Command, Strategic Joint Staff, Assistant Deputy Minister (Public Affairs).
March 11, 2021
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