Peacekeeping plan revealed

Photo: The Canadian Press

The Trudeau government is formally offering helicopters, transport aircraft and a 200-strong rapid-response team for UN peacekeeping — though it will be months before Canadians know when and where they will go.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau unveiled the planned contributions at a high-level summit Wednesday in Vancouver, including millions of dollars to increase the role of women in peacekeeping.

"What we will do is step up and make the contributions we are uniquely able to provide," Trudeau said.

"We know how to work with other countries and other partners to make peace happen. We have innovative ideas to share, and more importantly, we're willing to put those new ideas into practice. We're also home to the kinds of concrete capabilities that UN peace operations need.

"We can make a difference by matching what we do best with what UN peace operations need most."

The moment marks Canada's most tangible step back into peacekeeping — long the country's traditional military role — since the Liberals promised last year to provide the UN with up to 600 troops and 150 police officers.

But government officials who briefed reporters on background prior to the announcement say Canada and the UN have only just started what could be six to nine months of discussions about when and where those capabilities are needed.

"Canada has pledged to make available up to 600 Canadian Armed Forces personnel for possible deployment to a variety of UN peace operations, and we are fulfilling that commitment, over time, through a series of smart pledges," Trudeau said.

"This is the best way for Canada to help, and it offers the greatest chance of success."