SENATORS’ STATEMENTS — Operation REASSURANCE

Honourable senators, I recently visited Poland, Estonia and Latvia as part of the Canada-Europe Parliamentary Association with my fellow parliamentarians, in order to engage with governmental counterparts and meet with Canadian Armed Forces members serving under the land force elements of Operation REASSURANCE, Canada’s contribution to NATO forward deterrence on NATO’s Eastern Flank. With Latvia as our outstanding host nation, an unprecedented 14 countries will make up the NATO Multinational Brigade Latvia under the command of Canadian Colonel Cédric Aspirault.

This is the most multinational of NATO’s Forward Land Forces, and the challenge to “un-Canadianize” the headquarters in order to unite all these nations as a single cohesive brigade is immense. But it is also an incredible testament to the trust and faith other countries have in Canada as a framework nation and to the leadership within the Canadian Armed Forces.

While in Latvia, we observed the conclusion of Exercise Resolute Warrior, the first significant exercise of a complete brigade of any of the Forward Land Forces, as well as the first Canadian-led brigade-level field exercise held in Europe in over 30 years. Many planners involved with the exercise, from the Canadian Joint Operations Command, are with us here in the gallery today. Military to military, at least, our nation’s standing in the alliance is untarnished because of the excellence of our soldiers, sailors and aviators.

Canada’s continued commitment is vital, though. Consider this — Latvia’s Ambassador to Canada, who is with us today, served as a young conscript under the Soviet occupation of Latvia, where he bravely challenged his Soviet superiors. He was told that Latvia had no right to independence because it had never “invaded another country.” Let that sink in.

This was the Soviet and is now the Russian criterion for statehood. Latvia borders a regime that feels entitled to its aggression and will enact it again and again if it is not stopped. Latvia understands this, and so should Canadians.

Over 2,200 Canadian Armed Forces members were in Latvia for this exercise, and 1,700 will be persistently deployed there on rotation. For approximately 80 Canadian service members and their families, this is now a three-year posting. This requires us, as parliamentarians, to ensure they have the necessary equipment and support.

The decisions we make here resonate deeply with every Armed Forces member. We cannot expect them to fulfill their duties without providing them the tools they need to succeed.

At the Halifax International Security Forum, or HFX, this past weekend, the HFX president stated, “. . . every international issue is linked to Ukraine’s victory over Putin’s Russia.”

From Taiwan’s security to stability in the Middle East and beyond, Ukraine’s success is critical to global peace. I cannot emphasize this point enough.

We will remember the millions of Ukrainians who have been displaced and endured immense suffering at the hands of Russia. Canada’s unwavering support for Ukraine is essential — now and after victory — not just to defend its sovereignty but as a stand for all democracies, freedom and human dignity.

Thank you, Your Honour.