Commander of the Canadian Army visits soldiers deployed in Latvia
News Release
October 30, 2017 – Ottawa – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces
The Commander of the Canadian Army, Lieutenant-General Paul Wynnyk, travelled to Latvia to meet with soldiers currently deployed as part of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) Battlegroup Latvia. This trip marks Lieutenant-General Wynnyk’s first trip to visit the troops since they deployed in June 2017.
Lieutenant-General Wynnyk visited Camp Ādaži and met with soldiers who recently completed Exercise SILVER ARROW, a Latvian-led exercise designed to improve the cooperation of their National Armed Forces with Allies, as well as improving the planning and implementation of defensive operations.
The Commander also met with Latvian Chief of Defence Lieutenant General Leonīds Kalniņš and Latvian Land Forces Commander Colonel Ilmārs A Lejiņš.
Under Canada’s defence policy – Strong, Secure, Engaged – the Canadian Government commits to leading and contributing to NATO’s efforts to deter and defend against potential adversaries in order to support global stability.
As the lead nation of NATO’s eFP Battlegroup Latvia under Operation REASSURANCE, Canada remains fully committed to supporting NATO’s deterrence and defence posture in Eastern Europe. The presence of Albania, Canada, Italy, Poland, Slovenia and Spain in Latvia is a clear demonstration of Allied solidarity and NATO’s resolve and commitment to collective defence.
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Quotes
“I’m extremely proud of the men and women of the Canadian Army who display outstanding professionalism in support of our NATO Ally, Latvia. NATO’s multinational battlegroup in Latvia is a clear demonstration of NATO’s solidarity, determination and ability to deter and defend Latvia’s population and territory against any possible aggression.”
— Lieutenant-General Paul Wynnyk, Commander Canadian Army
Quick Facts
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In response to a complex security environment, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization enhanced its forward presence in Europe with four multinational battlegroups in Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, and Poland led by Canada, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States respectively. The enhanced Forward Presence is designed to deter and, if necessary, defend against potential aggression.
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The enhanced Forward Presence Battlegroup Latvia comprises military personnel from Canada, Albania, Italy, Poland, Slovenia and Spain, and is part of a defensive and proportionate response to the evolving security environment in the region. The Battlegroup trains as part of the Latvian Land Forces Infantry Brigade.
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Under Operation REASSURANCE, the Canadian Armed Forces has deployed approximately 600 personnel to Latvia, including headquarters staff, an infantry company with Light Armoured Vehicles, military police and logistical and communications support as part of North Atlantic Treaty Organization assurance and deterrence measures in Europe.
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Operation REASSURANCE refers to the military activities undertaken by the Canadian Armed Forces since 2014 to support North Atlantic Treaty Organization assurance and deterrence measures in Eastern and Central Europe with the aim of reassuring nations in the region of North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s intent to support their stability and security.
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Since 2014, Canada has actively participated alongside its North Atlantic Treaty Organization Allies in measures to maintain security and stability in Europe – through partnering, training, exercises, and other operational tasks.
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Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-996-2353
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca
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