Liberals edge closer to peacekeeping, stop short of choosing a mission
OTTAWA — The Liberal government has edged Canada closer to a return to peacekeeping, but stopped short of what might be the most important — and toughest — question: Where?
Four federal cabinet ministers used an air force base in Quebec as a backdrop Friday to announce that Canada will allot up to 600 troops for United Nations peacekeeping operations. They also revealed plans to spend $450 million over the next three years on peace and stability projects.
Speaking to reporters a few hours later in nearby Saguenay, Que., where his caucus held a two-day retreat in advance of the fall parliamentary session, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau touted the announcement as a sign of Canada’s re-engagement with the UN.
“The commitment we made today,” he said, “is us demonstrating to the world that we’re very much interested and supportive of the work that the United Nations does to stabilize, to create security, to create opportunity in difficult places right around the world.”