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November 29th, 2018

NDP Leads on Peacekeeping Initiatives NDP Leads on Peacekeeping Initiatives

OTTAWA – In 2016, an NDP motion by Defence Critic Randall Garrison to kick off a study on Canada’s contribution to international peacekeeping at the Standing Committee on National Defence was adopted. Over a year later, the study is underway and members of the committee will be travelling to Mali. The NDP has worked with all parties in the House and in committees to ensure that Canada’s role in peacekeeping is strong and to continue to hold this government to its promises.

“Although it took over a year for Trudeau’s Liberal government to actually start the peacekeeping study, the work the Committee has done has been very important in re-prioritizing peacekeeping for the Government of Canada,” said Garrison. During the Committee’s recent visit to the United Nations, once again a product of an NDP motion, Canada’s involvement in the mission in Mali was both praised and welcomed.

New Democrats continue to support Canada’s involvement in the peacekeeping mission in Mali, and support the recent decision by the National Defence Committee to visit Canadian troops in Mali. Following leadership from NDP Defence Critic Randall Garrison, who proposed travelling to Mali, committee members will now finally witness first-hand the important work Canada is doing to bring peace to the region. However, the Liberal government can and should extend its commitment beyond one year. Leaving prematurely would be detrimental to the peace process, and an early departure is a matter of grave concern in Mali.

“The Prime Minister said Canada is back, and it is time for his government to live up to that statement,” added Garrison. “While the commitment made to Mali is needed, it is well-below the promised 600 troops and 150 police Canada originally promised to the UN for peacekeeping. New Democrats will continue to push this Prime Minister to keep his commitments on peacekeeping.”