HALIFAX – The Honourable Peter Gordon MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, announced today the return to service of the historic Halifax Rifles, and the creation of a new w Army Reserve unit in Yellowknife.
"I'm proud to announce that one of Canada's oldest regiments - the Halifax Rifles - will see a return to service with the Reserve Army with Land Forces Atlantic Area," said Minister MacK ay. "This new unit will lend direct support to the domestic operations commitments of the existing Reserve forces in the Halifax area". The Halifax Rifles will be either a reconnaissance or an infantry unit.
In addition, the CF is creating a new Company-sized sub-unit to be assigned to one of Land Force Western Area's existing Reserve Force Infantry Battalions in Yellowknife. Military leaders are currently mapping out the proposed mission and tasks for the new Yel lowknife sub-unit which will enhance Canada's ability to operate in the North.
"The Army is expanding its Reserve footprint across the North by establishing a permanent land force reserve unit presence in this increasingl y important region of the country," said Minister MacKay.
"Given our operational tempo abroad, it is prudent planning to enhance our ability to protect and support Canadians at home should the need arise," added LFA A Commander, Brigadier-General Dave Neasmith.
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