Canada deploys medical trainers to Operation UNIFIER and extends engineer training in Poland
News release
March 7, 2023 – Kingston, Ontario – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Defence Minister Anita Anand announced that Canada has deployed seven Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Medical Technicians and Medical Assistants from Canadian Forces Health Services units to Poland, where they will train members of the Armed Forces of Ukraine with the skills needed to save lives effectively in combat situations.
Canadian medical trainers will integrate into the Polish-led training that is centred on advanced tactical medical skills, with a particular focus on combat survivability. With training commencing in early March, each training serial is set to last for approximately one month. The CAF personnel involved in this training come from units across Canada.
Additionally, Canada is extending its ongoing efforts to train Ukrainian sappers in Poland under Operation UNIFIER until October 2023. Through this training, which commenced in fall 2022, approximately 45 CAF members are equipping Ukrainian combat engineers with specialized skills such as engineering reconnaissance, and the use of explosives for demolition and demining.
Since February 2022, Canada has committed over $1 billion in military assistance to Ukraine. This includes eight Leopard 2 main battle tanks, an armoured recovery vehicle, over 200 armoured vehicles, a National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) with associated munitions, 39 armoured combat support vehicles, anti-tank weapons, small arms, M777 howitzers and associated ammunition, high-resolution drone cameras, winter clothing, and more.
Quotes
“Russia’s attack on Ukraine is an attack on democracy, freedom, and sovereignty. In the face of this unjust and horrific war, Canada’s support for Ukraine is resolute. Through donations of military aid, training of Ukrainian sappers, and now, training of Ukrainians on combat first aid, Canada is equipping the Armed Forces of Ukraine with the skills and equipment that they need to win this war and save lives. We will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes.”
The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of National Defence
Quick facts
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Canadian Armed Forces members are supporting the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the United Kingdom and Poland under Operation UNIFIER, providing training on a range of military skills. Between 2015 and 2023, Canada has trained more than 35,000 members of Ukraine’s security forces as part of Operation UNIFIER.
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The Canadian Armed Forces have been assisting with the delivery of military aid for Ukraine within Europe from Canada and on behalf of our Allies and partners, having transported over seven million pounds of military donations since March 2022.
Associated links
Contacts
Daniel Minden
Press Secretary and Senior Communications Advisor
Office of the Minister of National Defence
Phone: 613-996-3100
Email: daniel.minden@forces.gc.ca
Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-904-3333
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca
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