Prime Minister Justin Trudeau answers a question during Question Period in the House of Commons in Ottawa, Tuesday, February 7, 2017. THE CANADIAN PRESS\/Fred Chartrand ORG XMIT: FXC112<\/p>\n
In response to concerns from the U.S. that other nations in NATO are not doing enough, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated that German and Canada are the nations (besides the U.S.) who are doing the heavy lifting in NATO. <\/p>\n
But is that true on Canadas part? Does the assignment of a warship or two and a small land contingent for training and other activities constitute heavy lifting. Does taking part in NATO exercises, which other nations do as well, show Canada as leading the other members of the alliance in contributions? <\/p>\n
In defending Canada on the issue of military spending, Trudeau also said the country is in the midst of significant procurement projects. But then, of course, so are many other nations. <\/p>\n
Here is what the Department of National Defence noted that Canada is contributing to NATO: <\/p>\n
OPERATION REASSURANCE <\/p>\n
Maritime Task Force <\/p>\n
The periodic deployment of a Canadian frigate to conduct patrols and assurance measures as part of Standing NATO maritime forces; The deployment of HMCS Charlottetown and HMCS St. Johns to conduct patrols and assurance measures as part of Standing NATO maritime forces. <\/p>\n
Land Task Force <\/p>\n
From January 19 to February 9, 2017, about 40 members of the Operation REASSURANCE Land Task Force participated in Exercise BISON DRAWSKO. The Royal Netherlands Army led this exercise, which included participants from Canada, Estonia, Germany, the Netherlands, and Poland. This key multinational exercise took place in the Drawsko Pomorskie Training Area, Poland, and in the Jagerbruck Training Area, Germany. It trained participants in full spectrum defensive and offensive joint land operations at the brigade level. This, along with the professional and cultural exchanges between the participating nations, helped to further integrate each others military forces. <\/p>\n
From November 20, 2016 to December 2, 2016, approximately 140 members of the Operation REASSURANCE Land Task Force participated in Exercise IRON SWORD. This important multinational exercise took place in the Rukla and Pabrade Training Areas in Lithuania under the command of the Iron Wolf Infantry Brigade. The exercise developed Canadian and Lithuanian interoperability capabilities through realistic tactical and operational scenarios. This, along with the professional and cultural exchanges between the two nations, served to further enhance the integration of each others military forces. <\/p>\n
From October 24 to November 3, 2016, Approximately 30 members of the Land Task Force participated in Exercise SCORPION FURY 16.2 . This multinational exercise in Cincu, Romania took place under the Command of the Romanian Second Infantry Brigade. This exercise enhanced interoperability through realistic tactical and operational scenarios. <\/p>\n
-From September 26 to October 15, 2016, approximately 190 members of the Operation REASSURANCE Land Task Force participated in the multi-national Exercise ALLIED SPIRIT V. The goal of the exercise was to enhance the ability of forces in Europe, including CAF personnel, to work together. LTF members at the brigade and battalion levels exercised tactical soldier skills and tested secure communications between nations. <\/p>\n
-In August 2016, approximately 220 Canadian Armed Forces members deployed to Poland in support of Operation REASSURANCE. The soldiers are predominantly from 1st Battalion, Princess Patricias Canadian Light Infantry, based at Canadian Forces Base Edmonton, Alberta. Several other units from 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group and from the Reserve Force are also contributing soldiers to the contingent. <\/p>\n
Other NATO activities <\/p>\n
o It is expected that Canada will start deploying its troops to Latvia in Spring 2017, and be in place by end of June 2017 at the Adai Military Base. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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Is Canada really doing the heavy lifting at NATO like Trudeau claims? - Ottawa Citizen<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Prime Minister Justin Trudeau answers a question during Question Period in the House of Commons in Ottawa, Tuesday, February 7, 2017. THE CANADIAN PRESS\/Fred Chartrand ORG XMIT: FXC112 In response to concerns from the U.S Continue reading