Prime Minister reaffirms strong ties with NATO
The ties that bind Canada and its allies were reaffirmed during a visit to Garrison Petawawa by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Jens Stoltenberg.
With current security challenges on the world stage, it is an important time for Canada to reaffirm its belief in, and strong partnership with NATO.
“After all, NATO was built on the very Canadian idea that we are stronger together standing shoulder to shoulder in defence of our common interests and in service of citizens,” said Prime Minister Trudeau.
Since NATO was founded, Canada has been an integral member, contributing to worldwide peace and security. But it isn’t enough to call out acts of aggression. To protect peace, prosperity and the rule of law, a strong, modern military is needed, and the Canadian Armed Forces will get the support and tools it needs, he said.
“Those who threaten our security won’t just stand down because we ask politely,” said the Prime Minister.
He and Stoltenberg were at Garrison Petawawa on July 15, where they discussed global challenges and key issues facing the Alliance before speaking to the troops and media. Trudeau pointed out the deep need for NATO allies to work together and reinforce Canada’s commitment to the Alliance.
As part of the defence policy released in 2017, a 70 per cent increase in defence spending over a number of years has been promised. The Government of Canada has also announced the extension of Canada’s command of NATO Mission Iraq until November 2020, with Brigadier General (BGen) Jennie Carignan leading the charge. She is joining a growing contingent of Canadian women serving in senior NATO leadership positions.
“Canada now has not just the will, but the capacity to make a positive difference,” said Trudeau.
In an uncertain world, it is necessary to have a strong military and close partners, explained Stoltenberg. As an ally and member of NATO, Canada has helped deter aggression, preventing further conflicts.
Their commanding presence in countries like Latvia and Ukraine has led by example, keeping the peace in Europe and helping local military members learn how to better defend themselves in their home countries.
“When I visited the Canadian troops there, I was impressed by their commitment to preserving our collective security so far from home and I thank all those who have served in these vital missions,” said Stoltenberg. “This sends a clear mission. NATO allies never stand alone.”
Defence spending in NATO countries has been on the rise for the fifth consecutive year. Upping the Canadian defence budget is something that Stoltenberg is pleased to see.
“It is about our security in an unpredictable world,” said the NATO Secretary General.
There is deep gratitude abroad for Canadian soldiers and a respect that is often expressed. Getting the chance to meet some of these soldiers was one of the visit’s highlights.
Trudeau expressed his admiration for the troops, serving both at home and abroad.
“They make tremendous sacrifices to defend the values that we hold dear,” he said. “That is certainly something across political lines I can see is very, very true. We will always support the women and men that are in the Canadian Armed Forces.”
Canadian citizens do hold CAF personnel at a higher standard, expecting them to help defend the rules-based international order, advance peace and security, and build a better future for people around the world.
“We will always look at how Canadians can better help around the world,” he said. “That’s why working with NATO leadership, working laterally with leadership around the world, looking at how Canadians can bring about better outcomes for people around the world is something we are always going to do.”
The nature of the missions, operations and training will change in the upcoming years. Though he did not share the exact details of what will or will not change, he assured citizens “that Canadian leadership at the heart is thinking about how we can best help in the world,” said Trudeau.
After formalities, Trudeau and Stoltenberg, as well as Minister of National Defence Harjit S Sajjan, BGen Carignan, Chief of the Defence Staff General Jonathan Vance, Deputy Minister of Defence Jody Thomas and National Security and Intelligence Advisor Greta Bossenmaier, spent the afternoon with the troops. Many of these soldiers have been deployed in places such as Latvia and Ukraine.
“Petawawa has been part of basically every major deployment that Canada has been on,” said Trudeau. “This is an opportunity for me to showcase just how extraordinary Canadians are to their service. And I want to recognize that that service comes with sacrifices.”
He offered his sincere condolences to the friends, families and colleagues of Bombardier Patrick Labrie who died on a parachute exercise in Bulgaria in late June.
He thanked personnel for everything they are doing, and will be continuing to do, assuring them that Canadians will continue to support them and try to live up to the example that soldiers set both here and abroad.
“You are, for me personally and I think for all Canadians, an inspiration of commitment to the ideal of this country, to the values that we hold closely and need to see spread and shared around the world,” said Trudeau.
The ability to do so is entirely on the shoulders of men and women like those he had spent time with over lunch, he said.
Stoltenberg agreed with the sentiment. He admitted he has met many Canadian soldiers through various NATO and UN missions, but has never met them in their home country until now.
“For me, it is a great pleasure to be able to say how grateful we are that you are contributing to these different missions and operations,” said Stoltenberg, praising the soldiers for their constant professionalism.
“We are extremely grateful, you have an extremely important job for our shared security,” he added. “We are stronger together than alone. By keeping NATO strong, we keep all of us safe.”
Click on an image to enlarge. Photos by Patricia Leboeuf, Petawawa Post.
