New Peace Support Training Centre prepares CAF members and allied personnel for peace support operations 

News Release

Photo of the new Peace Support Training Centre

November 3, 2017 – Kingston (Ontario) – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces 

Canada’s defence policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged, reaffirms the Government of Canada’s commitment to peace support operations and to provide the women and men of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) with the support they need, including modern facilities in which to work and train.

On behalf of Defence Minister Harjit S. Sajjan, Member of Parliament for Kingston and the Islands, Mark Gerretsen, took part in a ribbon-cutting ceremony today to highlight the completion of the new Peace Support Training Centre at Canadian Forces Base Kingston. 

This infrastructure project generated investments of $23 million (including taxes) in the local economy, and created approximately 110 jobs during the construction period, supporting the Government of Canada’s commitment to growth that benefits the middle class.

The new facility is named after the late LCol Paul Augustus Mayer. LCol Mayer was a CAF infantry officer in the Second World War and Korean War. He greatly contributed to numerous peace support operations serving as Commander in South East Asia and Africa, and as an advisor to the UN Secretary General.

The CAF is well-known internationally for its professionalism and excellent training. The newly constructed Peace Support Training Centre will continue to provide the CAF and allied military personnel with improved training in preparation for deployment while focusing on multi-national cooperation. The new facility is set up to provide realistic and thorough training, and includes new classrooms, lecture halls and a state-of-the-art radio broadcast and production room.

Quotes

“The government is focused on ensuring members of the Canadian Armed Forces are well supported and trained so they can continue to support countries in their search for peace and stability. Canada will continue to train highly professional soldiers and government staff, work with our allies and do our share for peace.” 

— Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of National Defence

“This modern facility is an example of Canada’s commitment to empowering our military and supporting the future of peace support operations. It also represents the government’s commitment to bringing well-paid middle class jobs to our community.” 

— Mark Gerretsen, Member of Parliament for Kingston and the Islands 

Quick Facts

  • Bird Construction Ltd. of Mississauga, Ont., was awarded a $14.5 million contract to perform the construction work, which was delivered on time and on budget.

  • National Defence requires new infrastructure projects to meet industry-recognized standards, such as the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certification or equivalent. The new 4 000 m2 building will meet the criteria for LEED Silver certification and incorporate green building concepts to minimize its environmental footprint.

  • As indicated in Canada’s defence policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged, greening defence infrastructure will reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the Department’s buildings and non-military vehicles by 40 percent (from 2005 levels) by 2030. 

  • The Peace Support Training Centre is part of an international exchange program, which enables Canadian instructors to teach and gain experience at allied training centres, and hosts foreign instructors at the centre. 

  • In 2016, the Peace Support Training Centre hosted 29 foreign instructors and 71 allied military personnel from over 25 countries for training. 

  • To better resolve and prevent modern conflicts, Canada understands that there is a need to do peacekeeping differently. To respond and adapt to ever-changing environments, the Peace Support Training Centre will continue to offer relevant training, enhanced by lessons learned from allies and deployed CAF personnel. In doing so, Canada is taking a leadership role in improving UN Peacekeeping operations.

  • Canada will host the UN Peacekeeping Defence Ministerial conference in November 2017, which will gather over 500 delegates from more than 70 countries and international organizations to discuss improvements to UN peacekeeping operations and focus on securing new pledges from Member States. 

Associated Links

Contacts

Jordan Owens 
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of National Defence
613-996-3100

Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-996-2353
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca 

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