Page 15 - April 2018

RCAF to deploy Air Task Force Background
to UN Mission in Mali Canada is committed to building a more peaceful and
March 19, 2018 prosperous world. Ensuring the safety and security of
our citizens – and those of our allies – means working to
confront instability and conflict around the world.
Canada’s support for United Nations peacekeeping will
help vulnerable and marginalized communities build a
better future for themselves.
During the UN Peacekeeping Defence Ministerial
conference hosted by Canada in Vancouver in November
2017, the Government of Canada announced its return
to peace operations and pledged to improve the
effectiveness of UN peace operations in a number of
As part of Canada’s return to peace operations, an Air Task
ways, including:
Force (ATF) will deploy to the United Nations
Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali  The Vancouver Principles, focused on ending
(MINUSMA) for a period of 12 months. the recruitment and use of child soldiers
around the world.
The ATF will include two Royal Canadian Air Force
CH-147F Chinook helicopters to provide urgently needed  The Elsie Initiative, a pilot project aimed at
transport and logistics capacity for the MINUSMA mission, as rapidly increasing the number of women
well as four CH-146 Griffon helicopters to provide armed police and military deployed on UN peace
escort and protection, along with aircrew and groundcrew. The operations, supported by the expertise and
deployment will include a number of Canadian Armed Forces political commitment of a group of countries
troops who will facilitate medical evacuations for troops on who share Canada’s ambition for change.
the ground and provide logistical support.  A range of Smart Pledges and high value
military capabilities to be deployed in a five-
year timeframe, with planned and
predictable rotations with other member
states, aimed at leveraging Canadian
expertise. The pledges include a Quick
Reaction Force and accompanying
equipment, an Air Task Force of medium
utility and armed helicopters, and tactical
airlift support to address critical gaps in the
UN’s ability to transport troops, equipment,
“As a responsible member of the international community, we and supplies to their missions.
recognize the importance of working collaboratively with our The first smart pledge, a CC-130 Hercules aircraft to
partners to promote peace and security. Supported by our provide tactical airlift support for the UN’s Regional
diplomatic negotiations, I am confident we can help make a Support Centre in Entebbe, Uganda, was announced in
real difference in this region through the deployment of the Air Vancouver and preparations for deployment are
Task Force,” said Defence Minister Harjit S. Sajjan. currently underway.
Canada’s contribution will join 57 MINUSMA partner countries The ATF deployment to Mali represents the second
in their continued efforts to bring sustainable peace and Smart Pledge. In the coming days, the Government will
stability to Mali and the Sahel. Today’s announcement builds register its pledge with the UN, and the Canadian Armed
on the Government’s significant development, peace and Forces will begin their planning process, in conjunction
security initiatives in the region. with the UN, partners and the host nation.
From RCAF Website