March 3, 2005 CORNWALLIS, N.S. - 3 March 2005 -- The Minister of National Defence, Bill Graham today announced Canada's commitment to provide long-term funding to the Pearson Peacekeeping Centre program. Over the next five years, National Defence and the Canadian International Development Agency will invest a total of $20 million to support the Pearson Peacekeeping Centre activities. "Canada has a proud history of peacekeeping and is now a world leader in peace support operations," said Minister Graham. "As a proven instrument of defence diplomacy, the Pearson Peacekeeping Centre supports and advances Canada's contribution to international peace and security. This announcement ensures the Centre continues to meet the demands of its national and international clients by offering peace operations training relevant to the 21st century security environment." "The Pearson Peacekeeping Centre provides unique expertise and training in peacebuilding and conflict prevention," said Aileen Carroll, Minister of International Cooperation. "It is an important Canadian institution with an excellent international reputation. The Centre is well positioned to play a key role in contributing to world peace and stability in the coming years." The Pearson Peacekeeping Centre is an independent, not-for-profit organization, which conducts training and research on all aspects of peace operations. The Centre promotes understanding among policymakers and practitioners of the evolving nature of violent conflict, and strategies for its prevention, mitigation, resolution, and post-conflict recovery. It helps participants acquire the knowledge and practical skills they need to be effective members of peace operations and brings a uniquely Canadian perspective to international peace support education, training, and research initiatives. The Pearson Peacekeeping Centre operates from locations in Nova Scotia, Québec, and Ontario with its executive and administrative offices at Cornwallis, Nova Scotia. Cornwallis is also the venue for some of the residential courses conducted in Canada and for simulation exercises carried out for various major military headquarters. The majority of the Centre's formal course offerings are now conducted abroad in Africa, Eastern Europe, and Latin America. -30- DND/CF Public Affairs Contacts
