Minister of National Defence marks Canadian Armed Forces Day

June 5, 2022 – Ottawa – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of National Defence, issued the following statement today in recognition of Canadian Armed Forces Day:

“Through the challenges of this past year, both at home and abroad, the efforts of our Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) personnel have been tireless. Throughout everything that they do in service of our country, they have exhibited their commitment to Canadian values and service. Today, we celebrate and honour those who serve at sea, on land, and in the air.

“Through Operation LENTUS, CAF members deployed domestically in response to a number of natural disasters – evacuating people and livestock from lethal floods and fires and delivering aid to communities in crisis. They continued to step up as we battled the pandemic, through Operation LASER, where they provided relief to provincial healthcare and assisted federal, provincial, territorial and regional partners, and through Operation VECTOR, where they played a vital role in the planning and distribution of life-saving COVID-19 vaccines, complicated by ultra-cold storage requirements and Canada’s vast geography.

“In this uncertain world and in the context of Russia’s illegal and unjustifiable invasion of Ukraine, the service of our Canadian Armed Forces is more important than ever. To this end, I thank our Canadian Armed Forces for the critical work that they have done through Operation UNIFIER to help Ukraine prepare to defend its sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence.

“Under Operation REASSURANCE, CAF members are deployed as part of NATO assurance and deterrence measures in Eastern and Central Europe, reinforcing NATO’s collective defence. They are in Poland helping Ukrainians fleeing from conflict and they have been transporting military donations for Ukraine from Canada and from other countries within Europe. On May 29, we marked the International Day of UN Peacekeepers, honouring the CAF and other Canadians who continue to do this vital and difficult work. The CAF also continues to meet our international commitments through our security presence around the rest of the world, especially on Operations IMPACT and CARIBBE.

“For all that they do, it is our most basic responsibility and my top priority to ensure that our military personnel feel safe, protected and respected. There is work underway across the organization to make this a reality. I admire the continued dedication and support of CAF members at all levels as we rebuild trust within the organization, and embrace diversity, inclusion and culture change initiatives.

“This year has highlighted all the ways that the members of our CAF are selfless, professional, highly trained and well-equipped for an increasingly uncertain world. Our military has proven, time and again, that they can be counted on to respond quickly and effectively in a crisis. To all CAF personnel and Veterans, along with their families and loved ones: I thank you for doing everything that is asked of you, and more, in service to Canada.”

Associated links

• Current Operations
• Military response to COVID-19
• Spotlight on culture change initiatives for military personnel
• The Defence Team Total Health and Wellness Strategy