PM announces Canadian Forces will take on expanded role in Afghanistan

April 14, 2004
CFB Gagetown, New Brunswick

Martin government has secured over $7 billion Armed Forces since coming into office in December

The Canadian Forces are better equipped to assume a catalytic role internationally after Prime Minister Paul Martin announced a series of new measures that include expanding its role in Afghanistan and purchasing three new joint support ships for the navy.

While delivering a speech at Canadian Forces Base Gagetown, Martin announced that approximately 600 Canadian Forces members will be deployed to Afghanistan upon completion of Canada’s current commitment in August. This armed reconnaissance squadron group will work as part of the 34-nation International Security Force, and will be supported by 200 Air Force personnel. The group will be provided with state-of-the-art Coyote vehicles, giving its members the critical ability to do their job safely and effectively.

Speech: Address by Prime Minister Paul Martin at CFB Gagetown, New Brunswick

News Release: PM announces measures to support Canadian Forces abroad

This mission will serve as an example of Canada’s strategy to addressing international crises, which is modeled on what the Prime Minister referred to as a “3-D approach” – the integration of diplomacy, defence and development.

In addition, the Prime Minister delivered more good news with the announcement that the government has approved $2.1 billion to acquire three new joint support ships for the navy.

This is part of a $7-billion investment the government has made in the Armed Forces since coming into office in December. The frontline investment also includes $1.3 billion to accelerate the acquisition of new fixed-wing aircraft for search and rescue operations; $3 billion for new maritime helicopters for the Air Force, and $700 million to fast track the purchase of a mobile gun system for the Army.

But the government is not restricting its investment to equipment.

The PM also announced that a recent budget promise exempting men and women serving in Afghanistan from paying income tax will be extended to those serving in all high- and medium-level overseas deployments. This includes current missions in Bosnia and Haiti.

As a result of today’s dramatically different global landscape, the government is in the process of a comprehensive international policy review, the first such review in a decade.

The goal of the review, which will be finished by the end of the year, is to determine whether or not Canada’s objectives and capabilities match foreign policy goals, and to find out if Canada’s defence and security obligations are realistic and sustainable.

”This review will help us clearly define our interests and articulate our values in the area of foreign and defence policy, aid and trade,” said Martin.

Part of this transformation will include the Canadian Forces assuming an even greater role in providing support to local, provincial and federal authorities in key areas of domestic security, including emergency preparedness and response to natural disasters. This will involve making further use of our Reserve system.

“The Reserve system is not realizing its full potential,” said Martin. “Part of any coherent plan for protecting our interests will include ensuring our Reserves are key players in protecting Canadians in their own communities.”

Martin stressed that that the centre of his government’s defence policy is to project the Canadian Forces as “a force for good” that is ready, willing and able to make a global difference.

“Putting in place a new strategic plan for the Canadian Forces is a critical element in ensuring that Canada’s role in the world is one of influence and pride,” concluded Martin.

Speech: Address by Prime Minister Paul Martin at CFB Gagetown, New Brunswick

News Release: PM announces measures to support Canadian Forces abroad

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