CEFCOM NR–07.032 - August 1, 2007
OTTAWA – In a short ceremony held today in Kandahar, Brig.-Gen Guy Laroche assumed command of Task Force Afghanistan succeeding Maj.-Gen Tim Grant who departs Afghanistan after nine months in Command.
“I think we've had great success,” said Maj.-Gen Grant. “We have produced a security environment that has allowed our development and reconstruction folks to make some tremendous headway.”
Promoted in Afghanistan today by the Commander of Canadian Expeditionary Force Command (CEFCOM), Lt.-Gen Michel Gauthier, Maj.-Gen Tim Grant will return to Canada and assume the position as Deputy-Commander, CEFCOM.
Throughout his career, Brig.-Gen Guy Laroche served with the three battalions of the Royal 22 ième Régiment in various positions and commanded the 1st Battalion, Royal 22ième Régiment.
“We will continue to work closely with the Afghan National Security Forces, Regional Command (South) and allies in order to improve the security and stability of the region,” stated Brig.-Gen Laroche. “With the help of the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Canadian International Development Agency, we will pursue the work that has been done at the governance and development level in order to assist the Government of Afghanistan and the Government of Kandahar Province.”
As part of the international campaign against terrorism, Canada and coalition partners are leaders in the multinational effort to help Afghans achieve peace and security so they can build a self-sustaining democratic nation.
The CF contribution to Task Force Afghanistan consists of approximately 2,500 personnel from units across Canada including the Canadian Battle Group, numerous support elements, the Operational Mentor Liaison Team (OMLT), and a Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) that is also supported by officials from Foreign Affairs Canada, the Canadian International Development Agency, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
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NOTE TO EDITORS:
For a biography of Brig.-Gen Laroche, please visit: http://www.forces.gc.ca/dsa/app_bio/engraph/
FSeniorOfficerBiographyView_e.asp?SectChoice=1&mAction=View&mBiographyID=621
Photographs will be available on the Combat Camera Website at: www.combatcamera.ca
