International Security

• In the face of Russia’s full scale-invasion of Ukraine, we are working closely with our Allies and partners to help Ukraine defend its sovereignty and security.
• That is why Budget 2022 commits an additional $500 million in military aid for Ukraine.
• This support is on top of our contributions of over $131 million in military aid to support Ukraine since February 2022.
• Most recently, we procured over 20,000 artillery rounds of 155 mm NATO standard ammunition for Ukraine, which can be fired from the M777 howitzers that we previously donated.
• We have also finalized a contract for commercial pattern armoured vehicles to be delivered to Ukraine.
• Canada has also set up a Coalition air Bridge with two CC-130 tactical aircraft to Europe to transport military equipment from Canada and our Allies and partners towards Ukraine.
• I am proud to note that these aircraft have now delivered two million pounds of aid so far, and this work continues every single day.
• All of these actions complement our efforts under Operation UNIFIER, where the Canadian Armed Forces conducted more than 700 course serials, and trained over 33,000 Ukrainian Security Forces personnel from 2015 to January 2022.
• We remain committed to the people of Ukraine and working with our Allies and partners to support Ukraine in meaningful ways.

If pressed on the provision of further military aid to Ukraine:

• We continue to analyze options to provide further aid to support Ukraine’s sovereignty and security in effective and meaningful ways.
• Given operational security concerns, we cannot discuss further specifics at this time.

If pressed on allegations of training extremists:

• All members deploying on Operation UNIFIER were briefed to help them recognize patches and insignia associated with right-wing extremism.
• If counterparts or trainees are suspected of holding racist views or belonging to right-wing extremist elements, they are removed immediately from training.
• The Canadian Armed Forces are committed to promoting tolerance and respect for human rights, and aim to model those values to our training partners.
• We are committed to ensuring that we have the proper safeguards in place to ensure that those who hold contrary beliefs do not benefit from our training.

• Operation REASSURANCE is Canada’s largest international military commitment, involving the deployment of land, sea, and air elements to Central and Eastern Europe in support of our Allies, and the reinforcement of NATO’s Eastern Flank.
• As part of our renewed commitment, we have deployed up to 460 additional personnel to Operation REASSURANCE, including an Artillery Battery to Latvia.
• We have also deployed a CP-140 Aurora aircraft and HMCS Halifax with an embarked maritime helicopter.
• These enhancements bring our commitment to approximately 1,300 members deployed on Operation REASSURANCE.
• Additionally, two CC-130 Hercules aircraft with up to 50 personnel have been deployed and are supporting Ally and partner efforts in the region.
• Most recently, we deployed approximately 120 Canadian Armed Forces personnel to assist efforts to support Ukrainian refugees in Poland.
• Our members are providing healthcare and spiritual services in reception centres currently processing refugees.
• We are also contributing several planning officers to a Polish-led initiative to coordinate the efforts of humanitarian agencies providing assistance in the region.
• We will continue working with our Allies and partners to support the people of Ukraine.

If pressed on Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear protection:

• The health and safety of Canadian Armed Forces members is our utmost priority.
• National Defence has taken measures to ensure its members are prepared before being deployed at home and abroad.
• This includes ensuring Canadian Armed Forces members have access to the appropriate protective measures and equipment.

If pressed on additional NATO support:

• We have placed approximately 3,400 personnel at a higher state of readiness to deploy to the NATO Response Force should these forces be required.

• Operation AEGIS was the Canadian Armed Forces contribution to Canada’s effort to evacuate Canadian citizens and Afghans eligible for resettlement between July 30 and August 27, 2021.
• These efforts ensured the successful evacuation of approximately 3,700 people from Kabul between August 4 and 26, 2021.
• National Defence recognizes the sacrifices made by Afghans who supported Canada’s mission in Afghanistan and the dangers they continue to face.
• That is why National Defence supported Canada’s Special Immigration Measures Program.
• Upon request, National Defence validated whether an Afghan applicant to the program worked alongside our members, and referred them to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada for eligibility review.
• National Defence remains ready to assist the Whole-of-Government effort to resettle 40,000 Afghans in Canada, if needed.