Carney wraps the European tour with a visit to Canadian troops in Latvia

Prime Minister Mark Carney Wraps Up Tour in Latvia, Extends Mission for Three More Years

Prime Minister Mark Carney concluded his four-day tour through Eastern and Central Europe with a visit to Canadian armed forces stationed at Camp Adazi in Latvia. Canada leads a NATO mission in Latvia to counter Russian aggression in the region, with approximately 2,000 Canadian troops as part of Operation Rusturance.

During his visit, Prime Minister Carney announced the extension of Canada’s mission in Latvia for another three years. The initial involvement of Canada in Latvia began in 2014 in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

“The combat group has grown into a multinational brigade, with Canada leading over 3,500 soldiers from 14 countries,” stated Mr. Carney. “These soldiers work together to deter and defend against Russian aggression on NATO’s eastern flank.”

In his address, Prime Minister Carney emphasized the government’s commitment to increase defense spending to 3.5 percent of GDP by 2035 and allocate 1.5 percent to related expenditures such as critical infrastructure. He also highlighted the recent wage increase for members of the Canadian armed forces.

The Prime Minister engaged with soldiers at the base, discussing their responsibilities and the importance of the wage increase. Soldiers expressed appreciation for the announcement and hoped for upgrades in basic equipment like vests.

Colonel Kris Reeves, who led the NATO mission in Camp Adazi, underscored the growing priority of training with drones of various sizes and types. He emphasized the significance of incorporating drone technology in Latvia for enhanced defense capabilities.

Prime Minister Carney’s tour included stops in Kyiv, Poland, and Germany, all centered on defense themes. In Germany, he announced the shortlisting of two companies – one from Germany and one from South Korea – to compete for the contract to deliver 12 new submarines for the Royal Canadian Navy.

Minister of Defense David McGuinty, who accompanied the Prime Minister on the tour, expressed the importance of Canada’s presence in the region. The visit aimed to show gratitude to Canadian troops serving in Latvia and underscore the country’s commitment to NATO’s collective defense.

The extension of Canada’s mission in Latvia signifies the country’s dedication to strengthening security in the region and supporting its allies in the face of emerging threats.