November 20, 2001

Early last week our Coalition partners asked if Canada would be prepared to send ground troops to facilitate the urgent delivery of humanitarian assistance.

We responded quickly and a battalion of the Princess Patricia’s Light Infantry – totalling 1,000 troops – was put on 48 hours notice to depart once we worked out with our partners exactly where they will go, what their mission would be and who they would be working with.

However, the situation has not evolved as expected and the Coalition partners have not reached agreement with parties on the ground. In fact, the deployment of an advance British party a few days ago was met with resistance by some leaders of the Northern Alliance.

In the past, Canadian Forces troops have secured the delivery of humanitarian aid both in friendly territory and under fire. They are ready for any situation they may face.

However, it is imperative that we know what kind of situation our Canadian Forces will be facing on the ground before we send them to Afghanistan.

We will continue to monitor the situation closely. Our troops remain on 48 hours notice and are ready to do their part.

Canada is an active partner in the international coalition to destroy – root and branch – the shadow networks of supply, finance and penetration that allowed the terrorists to carry out the mass murder of September 11th.

As we continue with that mission, we must remember that an important part of our campaign is to help ensure the security and stability that will pave the way for a new future for Afghanistan and its neighbours.