OTTAWA — The Honourable Rob Nicholson, P.C., Q.C, M.P. for Niagara Falls and Minister of National Defence, announced today that Canada will join the US – Ukraine Joint Commission on Defence Reform and Bilateral Cooperation in order to better coordinate Canada’s ongoing provision of assistance to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
The US-Ukraine Joint Commission is the most effective and efficient venue for Canada to ensure the donations and training opportunities provided to Ukraine are appropriate, coordinated and synchronized with Canada’s ally the United States. Canada and Ukraine are committed to continue working together to strengthen the capacity of the Ukrainian Government and its security forces to defend Ukraine’s territorial integrity and its people. At the invitation of the Joint Commission, Canada will lead the Military Police Sub-committee and will coordinate the Joint Commission’s training assistance efforts to Ukraine’s military police.
“Our Government is steadfast in our commitment to Ukraine and working within the framework of this Joint Commission is the next step to ensuring Ukraine’s safety. As leaders within the Joint Commission’s activities, Canada can ensure expertise and experience of our men and women in uniform makes an important contribution to strengthening Ukraine’s security.”
Honourable Rob Nicholson, P.C., Q.C., M.P. for Niagara Falls, Minister of National Defence
"We welcome Canada joining the US-Ukraine Joint Commission. Canada is a leader in support to Ukraine, something that is recognized both in my country and around world. By joining the Commission Canada will be helping strengthen the Ukrainian Armed Forces ability to protect civilians as well as our sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
Marko Shevchenko, Charge d’Affaires a.in., Embassy of Ukraine in Canada
"Canada's participation in the US-Ukraine Joint Commission together with significant military assistance to bolster Ukraine’s defensive capabilities will make clear that the West will not accept the use of force to change borders in Europe. We applaud the work of the Canadian military and welcome Canada’s efforts to strengthen Ukraine's military capacity. A stronger Ukrainian military, with enhanced defensive capabilities, will increase the prospects for negotiation of a peaceful settlement and deter a further Russian offensive.”
Paul Grod, National President, Ukrainian Canadian Congress
Johanna Quinney
Press Secretary to the Minister of National Defence
Office of the Minister of the Department of National Defence
(613) 996-3100
Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: (613) 996-2353
Toll-Free: 1 866 377-0811
mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca
