Minister Sajjan Announces Renewal of Canada’s Contribution to Maritime Security Operations
News Release
May 29, 2017 – Ottawa – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces
The Government of Canada is committed to taking concrete action so that Canadians – and people around the world – can feel safe and secure. As threats to our safety become increasingly complex, it is more important than ever for Canada to work in close cooperation with our allies and partners to protect our citizens.
Keeping with the Government of Canada’s commitment to work with our allies and partners to fight terrorism and bring about greater peace and security in the Middle East and East Africa, Defence Minister Harjit S. Sajjan and Parliamentary Secretary Jean Rioux today announced an extension of Canada’s contribution to international maritime security operations.
Extending Operation ARTEMIS until April 30, 2021 ensures Canada’s continued contribution to maritime security and counter-terrorism efforts along a vital artery of world trade for the next four years.
Through this renewal of Operation ARTEMIS the Canadian Armed Forces is authorized to deploy a number of maritime assets to the Combined Maritime Forces’ Combined Task Force 150 (CTF 150), to bolster security in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman, the Arabian Sea, and the Indian Ocean.
This maritime region, which spans over 5 million square kilometers of international waters, includes the main shipping routes from the Far East to Europe and North America. Canada’s presence, along with like-minded allies and partners, promotes safe passage for merchant vessels and supports regional stability and economic trade routes.
By denying criminal organizations the ability to smuggle weapons, illicit cargo, and narcotics, CTF 150 is also taking away their access to millions of dollars in funding that could be used for illicit purposes.
Quotes
“Today’s global environment is complex and dangerous, with threats to safety and security that are increasingly interconnected. The Government of Canada’s renewed commitment to counter-terrorism efforts is vital to building a safer and more prosperous world. I’m incredibly proud of the women and men contributing to the success of Operation ARTEMIS and know that their hard work will continue to deliver real results that benefit not only Canada, but the global community.”
— Defence Minister Harjit S. Sajjan
Quick Facts
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The renewal of Op ARTEMIS authorizes the Canadian Armed Forces to:
- Deploy up to 375 personnel;
- Seek command of CTF 150 twice during the four year mandate;
- Provide a Halifax-class frigate once every two years and a CP-140 Aurora Maritime Patrol Aircraft once each year;
- Enforce United Nations Security Council Resolution 2317 related to the arms embargo and the ban on the import and export of charcoal into or out of Somalia.
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The Government of Canada is providing up to $131.4 million in funding to support the four year extension of Operation Artemis to April 30, 2021.
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Canada has been promoting peace and security in the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean region since 2001, first through Operations APOLLO and ALTAIR, and most recently through Operation ARTEMIS, Canada’s contribution to CTF 150 since 2012.
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Canada recently completed its third command rotation of CTF 150 in April 2017.
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The Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) is a multi-national naval partnership established by the United States in 2002. The CMF is comprised of three Task Forces: CTF 150 (maritime security), CTF 151 (counter-piracy), and CTF 152 (Arabian Gulf security and cooperation).
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Over the past year, CTF 150 has denied criminal networks access to millions of dollars from illicit trafficking by seizing and destroying nearly 2,700 kg of narcotics and more than 3,300 weapons.
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Contacts
Jordan Owens
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of National Defence
(613) 996-3100
Email: Jordan.Owens@forces.gc.ca
Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-996-2353
Toll-Free: 1-866-377-0811
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca
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