Minister of National Defence, Hon. Harjit S. Sajjan, participates in Rīga Conference 2021

News release

October 16, 2021 – Ottawa – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

Today, the Minister of National Defence, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, provided pre-recorded remarks during the Rīga Conference 2021. The Minister’s remarks focused on grey-zone battlespace, illustrating the importance of being prepared to address complex threats such as the use of harmful cyber activities, disinformation, propaganda campaigns, and intelligence operations by our adversaries.

In his statement, Minister Sajjan highlighted the sophisticated nature of threats below the threshold of armed conflict, and the vital importance of collectively standing up against and staying ahead of these harmful activities. In particular, the Minister underscored that below threshold cyber activities pose defence and national security challenges that require militaries and government agencies to jointly respond.

To help counter such evolving threats, Canada continues to lead one of NATO’s four multinational enhanced Forward Presence Battle Groups in the Baltic region. The Canadian Armed Forces has more than 800 personnel stationed across Central and Eastern Europe contributing to security and deterrence measures alongside our Allies. Minister Sajjan emphasized the importance of working with our partners and allies – including NATO, NORAD, Five Eyes, and the United Nations. NATO is central to Canada’s international security policy, reflecting the values of democracy, good governance, and the rule of law. 

Quotes

“Hostile activities below the threshold of armed conflict aim to weaken the institutions and alliances that defend our security and way of life. In this rapidly changing environment, Canada is ready to take on the challenge shoulder-to-shoulder with NATO and our partners and allies. Collectively, we need to stay a step ahead of those seeking to harm our interests and continue developing the capabilities we need to keep pace with emerging threats.”

The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of National Defence

Quick facts

  • The Rīga Conference is an annual meeting of regional and international experts in foreign policy and defence, academics, journalists, and business representatives, promoting the discussion and assessment of issues affecting the transatlantic community. 

  • At present, Canada is:

    • Leading the multinational NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battle Group in Latvia since 2017. There are 540 Canadian soldiers in Latvia, contributing to NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence;
    • Deploying CF-18 fighter aircraft to conduct NATO surveillance and air policing activities in Europe. This mission currently encompasses approximately 150 CAF members; and,
    • Commanding the Standing NATO Maritime Group One, assisted by the deployment of Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Fredericton.
  • Canada is committed to providing direct support to NATO missions. The CAF has taken measures to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on operations and to protect its force in order to maintain this support.

  • Canada has also committed over $850 million toward the global COVID-19 response, including help for NATO Allies Albania, Montenegro and North Macedonia, and many NATO Partners as well.  

Associated links

Contacts

Daniel Minden
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of National Defence
Phone: 613-996-3100
Email: daniel.minden@forces.gc.ca

Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-904-3333
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca

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