Canadian Army troops deploy to Poland for Operation REASSURANCE

News Release

June 28, 2015

OTTAWA - Today, the Honourable Steven Blaney, Canada’s Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, on behalf of Defence Minister Jason Kenney, bid farewell to approximately 90 Canadian Army soldiers from 5 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group (5 CMBG), based in Valcartier. The troops will deploy to Poland for Operation REASSURANCE in support of Canada’s response to Putin regime’s aggression in Central and Eastern Europe.

Over the next month, a total of approximately 200 soldiers from Valcartier, Quebec, will deploy to Poland taking over Operation REASSURANCE duties from the 4^th Canadian Division’s 2 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group (2 CMBG) based in Petawawa, Ontario.

Quick Facts

Soldiers from 5 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group - part of the 2^nd Canadian Division - will take part in a series of exercises over the next six months to demonstrate the troops’ state of readiness and operational interoperability with our NATO allies and our security partners.
These training opportunities ensure NATO is able to react in an effectively and in a timely manner to a whole possible situations no matter where they might occur.
The Canadian Army benefits from these training opportunities, which allow our soldiers to achieve better interoperability with NATO allies, showcase their capabilities, and further demonstrate their leadership abilities.
Members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) have been in Central and Eastern Europe since May 2014, and have participated in collective training exercises and partnership engagements with our allies.
Operation REASSURANCE refers to the military activities undertaken by the CAF in support of NATO’s assurance measures in Central and Eastern Europe. Canada’s land contribution consists of the military capabilities for training, exercises, demonstrations and assigned NATO tasks.

Quotes

“I am pleased to see this group of soldiers deploying from Valcartier to support our allies. NATO exercises, including Operation REASSURANCE, are designed to send a message that Canada, together with our allies, stands with our Eastern European friends against any intimidation or military aggression.”
Jason Kenney, Minister of National Defence

“Today’s deployment of soldiers not only demonstrates our strong support to our allies, it also demonstrates the readiness and professionalism of our men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces.”
The Honourable Steven Blaney, Canada’s Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness

“The Canadian Army trains vigorously year-round to prepare for missions such as Operation REASSURANCE. I am confident our soldiers from the 2^nd Canadian Division will continue to proudly represent Canada on the world stage and to build on the successes of the 4^th Canadian Division in Central and Eastern Europe.”
Lieutenant-General Marquis Hainse, Commander Canadian Army

Associated Links

Canadian Army Links

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Contacts

Lauren Armstrong
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of National Defence
(613) 996-3100
lauren.armstrong2@forces.gc.ca

Etienne Rainville
Deputy Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Public Safety
(613) 991-3724

Captain Mathieu Dufour
Public Affairs Officer
5 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group
Telephone: 418-844-5000 ext. 4688
mathieu.dufour@forces.gc.ca

Media inquiries

Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-996-2353
Toll-Free: 1-866-377-0811
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca

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Canadian Army troops deploy to Poland for Operation REASSURANCE

News Release

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