National Defence committee  Mr. Chair, I have been thinking about Mr. Wilfert's question. The decision-making for a UN peacekeeping operation rests with the Security Council, but not in isolation. Canada has encouraged the Security Council to consult with the troop contributors. If Canada were considering a

National Defence committee  I would say that this trend has occurred for a couple of reasons. There is a recognition that the United Nations can't do everything and is not necessarily best placed to do everything; that regional organizations have a depth of understanding of situations on the ground--the Afr

National Defence committee  I think you're dead right, Mr. Hawn, that's it a more complex picture than peacekeeping was 40 years ago maybe. It reflects the needs in these environments for why police, corrections officers, civilian experts of many sorts are required. Those are skills we have in Canada. They'

National Defence committee  I think the Prime Minister has been very clear about our military commitment to Afghanistan and about the fact that our troops will pull out next year. However, Canada is committed to helping with Afghanistan's development over the long term.

National Defence committee  Mr. Harris, thank you for the question. I think the makeup of UN peacekeeping forces has changed dramatically over the last 20 years. If we look at the chart showing the top 10 countries that contribute troops, there are no developed countries on that list anymore. They are lar

National Defence committee  I think we are a total of 45 at the mission, embracing Foreign Affairs, National Defence, CIDA, and the RCMP. But to try to respond to your question, I think it isn't really necessary for us to make indications of future commitments. There is a great deal of respect for Canada'

National Defence committee  Mr. Chair, the government's policy, which reflects the resolution passed by the House of Commons, is very clear on Canada's commitment to Afghanistan. Our allies, including the Americans, have a very clear understanding of our policy. Afghanistan does, of course, present a challe

National Defence committee  Mr. Chairman, I think that's a very good summary. In addition, of course, the promotion of international peace and security is in the Canadian national interest and is one of Canada's long-standing goals. We have a strong commitment to international development and the partnershi

National Defence committee  Thank you, Mr. Wilfert. I think to pick up your last point on whether or not we have much say or any say in these operations, first of all, in terms of the policy and the doctrine of UN peacekeeping, Canada has long played a very big role in shaping the fundamental doctrine, an

National Defence committee  Merci bien, monsieur le président. Thank you very much for inviting me to appear before the committee to address the United Nations dimensions of the committee's study. The United Nations is, of course, the organization where the world meets, and its agenda encompasses all areas