Common menu bar

Breadcrumb

Archived Document

Information identified as archived on the Web is for reference, research or recordkeeping purposes. It has not been altered or updated since it was archived. Web pages that are archived on the Web are not subject to Government of Canada Web Standards; as per the Communications Policy of the Government of Canada, you can request alternate formats by contacting us.

Foreword

Table of Contents | Next »

In accordance with the motion passed by the House of Commons on March 13, 2008, we are honoured to place before Parliament this thirteenth quarterly report on Canada’s engagement in Afghanistan. This report addresses the period from April 1 to
June 30, 2011.

This quarter was marked by events that signalled the end of Canada’s focused engagement in Kandahar. The redeployment of Canadian Forces (CF) and civilian personnel back to Canada began in earnest. At a ceremony held on June 22, 2011, the Canadian flag was lowered at Camp Nathan Smith Memorial Square and the full handover of Task Force Kandahar to American Forces was completed on July 7, 2011.

Building on Canada’s contributions in Afghanistan to date, our new role over the next three years will focus on the delivery of development programming in education and health, in particular for women and children; the advancement of security, the rule of law and human rights, including the provision of up to 950 CF trainers and support personnel for Afghan security forces, and approximately 45 civilian police trainers; the promotion of regional diplomacy; and the delivery of humanitarian assistance.

Our report for this quarter focuses on advances made in Canada’s six priority areas and three signature projects identified by Canada in Afghanistan, in light of the significant transition underway for Canada’s role in the country. This report also provides a near-final look at the status of Canadian targets and benchmarks that were established in 2008.

As our military and civilian personnel depart from Kandahar, it is evident that Canada and its international partners, working alongside Afghans, have made important gains in Afghanistan. But equally evident are the serious security, development and governance issues that remain, as demonstrated by the well-planned attacks carried out by insurgents in parts of the country over the summer and the dispute over verifying the results of Parliamentary elections held last September.

Canadians in Afghanistan have served and will continue to serve with distinction the interests of peace, progress and prosperity with commitment and bravery. On behalf of all Canadians, we stand in honour and remembrance of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in this service and those who have been injured. We also stand in support of their families.

Our next report will look back on Canada’s engagement in Afghanistan up to 2011, and will look ahead at what will come next in Canada’s new, more national role in Afghanistan.

The Honourable John Baird
Minister of Foreign Affairs