Canadian PM announces extension of operation reassurance in Europe

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper Friday announced extension of Operation REASSURANCE to promote security and stability in Central and Eastern Europe until June 2016.

Operation REASSURANCE refers to the military activities undertaken by the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) to support North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Assurance Measures through the provision of military capabilities for training, exercises, demonstrations and assigned NATO tasks in Central and Eastern Europe.

On April 17, 2014, Harper offered CAF assets to NATO as part of allied assurance measures to promote security in Central and Eastern Europe.

Since May 2014, Canada has maintained a regional presence of approximately 200 Canadian Army soldiers based in Poland. In total, more than 450 soldiers have deployed to take part in a variety of training exercises alongside NATO Allies and partners.

Additionally, Canada has maintained a maritime presence in the region with a rotational deployment of Her Majesty's Canadian Ships Regina, Toronto, Fredericton and now Winnipeg, including embarked CH-124 Sea King helicopters and their crews as part of NATO Standing Maritime Forces.