Kingsville Military Museum

Global Peacekeeping Efforts

Since 1954, the Canadian military has actively participated in various peacekeeping missions worldwide to foster global peace and stability:

 

  • Afghanistan
    Following the terrorist attacks in the United States, Canada participated in peacekeeping and stabilization efforts in Afghanistan from 2001 to 2014. Canada aimed to support international anti-terrorism efforts and promote democracy in Afghanistan. The number of Canadian soldiers quickly increased to around 2,300 to address the security challenges and support the Provincial Reconstruction Team in the region.

  • Balkans
    Canada was essential in United Nations Protection Force (UNPROFOR) efforts. In the Balkans, a region in southeast Europe, Canadians participated in missions for the European Community, United Nations, and NATO. In 1991, tens of thousands of Canadian Armed Forces members were deployed to help restore peace and security in these areas.

 

  • Cambodia
    From 1954 to 2000, Canada contributed to the stabilization and rebuilding of Cambodia through four distinct peace support missions. Nowadays, the United Nations continues to find and remove deadly land mines in Cambodia.

 

  • Congo
    Since UN operations began in 1960, over 2,500 Canadians have taken part in peace-support missions in Congo. Their efforts have aimed to restore security and freedom to the people, contributing to international initiatives to stabilize and rebuild the nation.

  • Cyprus
    From 1964 to 1993, a significant Canadian contingent was stationed on the island, and a small Canadian Armed Forces presence remains as UN peacekeeping efforts continue.

  • East Timor
    From 1999 to 2001, Canadian personnel were placed in East Timor. Initially, they joined a UN-sanctioned multinational peace-enforcement mission and later contributed to a UN-administered initiative to restore peace and security in the country.

  • Egypt:
    Many Canadian Armed Forces members served as peacekeepers in Egypt, with deployments occurring from 1956 to 1967 and 1973 to 1979. Since 1986, Canadian peacekeepers have been part of Egypt’s Multinational Force and Observers mission. Throughout these missions, Canada’s primary role has been logistical, providing essential services such as transportation, communication, supply, and health support to the UN forces.

  • Ethiopia and Eritrea:
    From 2000 to 2003, Canadian Armed Forces members were deployed in a UN peace mission to Ethiopia and Eritrea, with over 500 Canadians participating at various times. Additionally, some Canadian military personnel were involved in regional humanitarian aid missions during the 1980s.

  • Gulf War:
    During and after the Persian Gulf War, Canada maintained peace and security in the region. Peacekeepers were tasked with monitoring the border between Iraq and Kuwait and clearing landmines. Canada initiated Operation Record to contribute to this UN mission. Following the conflict, Canadian Armed Forces warships patrolled the region alongside Coalition vessels to help enforce sanctions against Iraq. Additionally, Canada supported diplomatic and rebuilding efforts in the area.

 

  • Haiti
    Canada has played a prominent role in Haiti’s international peacekeeping and humanitarian efforts, mainly due to the solid linguistic and cultural connections between the two countries. Over the years, many Canadians have also been involved in Haiti as missionaries and aid workers. Canadian personnel have participated in numerous peacekeeping and disaster response missions in Haiti. In 2010, Canada provided substantial aid in response to the catastrophic earthquake that struck the country.

  • Rwanda
    Canada played a crucial role in UN peacekeeping missions in Rwanda from 1993 to 1996. After the assassination of Hutu President Juvénal Habyarimana on April 6, 1994, Hutu extremists launched a brutal campaign of violence. UN peacekeepers struggled to halt the violence while Canadian Armed Forces members worked to restore order, provide humanitarian aid, and offer support. Many CAF members returned, deeply affected by the atrocities they had witnessed.

 

  • Somalia
    From 1992 to 1993, Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members were deployed in Somalia, participating in United Nations (UN) peacekeeping missions and a US-led multinational peace support operation.

  • Syria: Since 1974, Canada has provided logistical support to the ongoing peacekeeping mission in Syria. Since establishing the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force, over 12,000 Canadians have served in the region.

 

These missions reflect Canada’s commitment to global peacekeeping and its role in various international efforts to maintain stability.

Since 1954, the Canadian military has actively participated in various peacekeeping missions worldwide to foster global peace and stability. Warrant Officer Cyril Bogdan Korejwo, was aboard a Canadian Buffalo transport plane that was shot down by a Syrian missile. Nine Canadians were killed. Five were from Ontario. View the Memorial Cross given to the family of fallen Airman Cyril Bogdan Korejwo.

Cyril Bogdan Korejwo