Operation HELIOS

Operation HELIOS is the Canadian Armed Forces’ contribution to the Canadian Whole-of-Government response to the worsening humanitarian and security crisis in Haiti.

What is the CAF providing?

Approximately 70 Canadian Armed Forces members deployed to Jamaica. At the request of the Jamaican government, they will provide training to military personnel from Caribbean Community (CARICOM) nations who are set to deploy to Haiti as part of the United Nations-authorized, Kenyan-led, Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission.

The Canadian personnel being deployed are drawn primarily from the 1st Battalion, Royal 22e Régiment from Valcartier, Quebec. Their deployment will last for an initial period of approximately one month. Canadian Armed Forces expects to train approximately 330 CARICOM troops from Jamaica, Belize and the Bahamas.

What are they doing?

On the Canadian mission in Jamaica, known as Operation HELIOS, CAF members will provide training on core peacekeeping skills and combat first aid – and carry out validation and integration exercises for CARICOM troops. This Canadian training will prepare the CARICOM troops to deploy on the Kenyan-led MSS mission and to bolster the Haitian National Police (HNP) in their efforts to restore security for the people of Haiti. This Canadian-led training will take place at the Canadian Armed Forces’ Operational Support Hub in Jamaica.

Quick Facts

In January of 2024, the CAF led the first mandatory training courses for approximately 300 members of the defence personnel of Jamaica, Belize, and Bahamas required prior to participation on UN sanctioned peacekeeping missions. The training covered a range of topics including the protection of civilians, conduct and discipline, and conflict-related sexual violence. First Aid and related medical training serials are scheduled to begin in the coming weeks.
In October 2023, the United Nations Security Council adopted a resolution authorizing the deployment of a MSS mission to Haiti, that Kenya since volunteered to lead. The MSS mission seeks to assist the Haitian National Police to stabilize security conditions conducive to holding inclusive, free, and fair elections in Haiti. The Government of Jamaica agreed to take on the role of lead for planning and pre-deployment efforts for the CARICOM contingent.
The CAF’s Operational Support Hub (OSH) in Jamaica will be the location for the training. The OSH, located in Kingston, Jamaica, is one of four hubs the CAF maintains around the globe in partner nations that provide logistical support to operations, and ensure that CAF members and assets can be quickly brought into the region. The OSH in Jamaica was first activated in 2016.
The CAF are key part of Canada’s initiative to provide assistance to the Government of Haiti. Security assistance is one of the four pillars of Canada’s response to the crisis in Haiti, which also includes diplomacy, sanctions, and humanitarian and development assistance. The CAF also contributes to the Interdepartmental Task Force, led by Global Affairs Canada, which guides Canada’s support and contributions to Haitian-led efforts to resolve the current interrelated political, security and humanitarian crises.
In February 2024, Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly announced $123 million for projects to support Haiti, including $80.5 million for a United Nations trust fund for the deployment of the Kenyan-led MSS mission, which will support the efforts of the HNP to improve security conditions in Haiti for the civilian population.
For over 30 years, Canada has contributed to every UN peace mission to Haiti to support stabilization and reconstruction efforts. Contributions have included financial assistance and the deployment of members of the Canadian Armed Forces and of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, as well as correctional officers.

Associated Links

Government of Canada

Other CAF Operations in the Region

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Date modified:: 2024-03-30

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