Troops ready for Ukraine, confirms Carney's election platform

Liberals promise peacekeepers if needed, but many questions remain

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Image: Members of Operation UNIFIER participate in foreign weapon familiarization at the International Peacekeeping Security Centre in Starychi, Ukraine on October 4, 2018. Photo: Joint Task Force-Ukraine, Canadian Armed Forces

Canada is moving closer to deploying troops to Ukraine, according to the campaign platform released by the Liberal Party in the final week of the election campaign.

The potential escalation of our involvement in the war was never discussed during the campaign, but the Liberals make their intentions clear in the security chapter of the platform, entitled “Canada Strong.”

“Defend our values of peace and stability by continuing to support Ukraine and Ukrainians including: working to bring home Ukrainian children stolen by Russia; building on Canadian leadership to seize Russian sovereign assets and using them to fund Ukraine’s reconstruction; and, if needed, build on our peacekeeping heritage and step up to guarantee Ukraine’s security.” (emphasis added)

The little-known plan to deploy Canadian troops was first shared with PeaceQuest readers in March. The mission would contribute to a European-led peacekeeping force following a ceasefire deal between Ukraine and Russia, brokered by the United States.

Canada’s little-known plan to send troops to Ukraine

European countries, led by France and the UK, have established a “Coalition of the Willing” to help bolster Ukraine’s defences against Russia following a potential ceasefire treaty, including through increasing military aid and a “reassurance force” as a security guarantee for Ukraine.

“Canada is ready and able to make a contribution to that force,” Defence Minister Bill Blair told reporters in early March.

All parties support Ukraine in national debate

During the English language debate, where every party expressed its support for Ukraine in varying degrees, Prime Minister Mark Carney noted Canada’s role in the 15-nation “Coalition of the Willing” which does not include the United States.

“Canada has been a steadfast ally, and Canadians have stepped up welcoming Ukrainians into their homes and supporting them in other ways. In my first month as Prime Minister we joined the Coalition of the Willing to support Ukraine as the U.S. stepped back. So led by France, the United Kingdom, with Ukraine, a number European nations, Australia, ourselves, New Zealand, that’s an example of how the new world is going to be Canada participating in these areas,” said Mark Carney.

Unanswered questions

But there are many questions to be answered.