The Government of Canada remains steadfast in its commitment to NATO and the Alliance’s important role in international security and defence.

“As a NATO enhanced Forward Presence Framework Nation, Canada has taken a leadership role within the Alliance. Through our new Defence Policy Strong, Secure, Engaged, we will continue to maintain our strong commitment to NATO as we work towards global peace, stability, and security. As a founding member of the Alliance, we are committed to transatlantic unity and value the unique bond between North America and Europe, based on democracy, individual liberty, and the rule of law. This bond was further solidified on June 5, when Montenegro became the 29^th member nation to join the Alliance. Montenegro is a welcome addition and will be a valuable contributor to international peace.”

Harjit S. Sajjan, Defence Minister

• NATO is a cornerstone of Canada’s defence and security policy. Canada remains committed to providing credible, value-added contributions to NATO operations and to strengthening the Alliance in the face of today’s complex security environment.

• At the July 2016 Warsaw Summit, NATO Allies decided to further strengthen the Alliance posture in order to deter possible aggression against NATO members. The most visible element of this strengthened deterrence and defence posture is the establishment of the eFP in Central and Eastern Europe.

• Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania and Poland are the four host nations for NATO eFP battlegroups. Canada, Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States are the framework nations leading battlegroups.  

• Operation REASSURANCE is the Canadian Armed Forces’ support to NATO assurance and deterrence measures in Central and Eastern Europe. As part of Operation REASSURANCE, Canada has established its largest sustained military presence in Europe in over a decade by leading a multinational battlegroup in Latvia.

• Canada has provided a broad range of assistance (development, financial, humanitarian, non-lethal military) to Ukraine, totaling more than $700 million since January 2014. Through Operation UNIFIER, the Canadian Armed Forces provides military training and capacity-building assistance to Ukrainian Forces personnel in support of Ukraine’s efforts to maintain sovereignty, security, and stability.

• Canada’s new defence policy makes significant investments in the Canadian Armed Forces. Total defence spending over the next 20 years will be $553 billion. Canada will increase defence spending from $18.9 billion in 2016-17 to $32.7 billion by 2026-27.

• Strong, Secure, Engaged affirms Canada’s unwavering commitment to NATO, NORAD, and Five Eyes partners.

Associated Links

• NATO
• Operation REASSURANCE
• Enhanced Forward Presence

Jordan Owens
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of National Defence
Phone: 613-996-3100
Email: Jordan.Owens@forces.gc.ca

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