Canada's Approach in Afghanistan

Canada is in Afghanistan to help Afghans rebuild their country as a stable, democratic and self-sufficient society. We are there with over 60 other nations and international organizations, at the request of the democratically-elected Afghan government and as part of a UN-mandated, NATO-led mission.

Canada’s objective is to advance six focused priorities that are aligned with the Afghanistan Compact, a five-year agreement that looks ahead to 2011 and was endorsed by the international community and the Government of Afghanistan in early 2006.

Canada’s whole-of-government approach in Afghanistan reflects the three pillars of the Compact: security, governance and development. Canada supports work in these mutually reinforcing areas by drawing upon resources and expertise from across the federal government.

Canada’s whole-of-government effort is coordinated by the Cabinet Committee on Afghanistan, which has the mandate to consider diplomatic, defence, development and security issues related to Canada’s mission in Afghanistan. The Committee reports to the Prime Minister and the Priorities and Planning Cabinet Committee on a regular basis.

The challenges are formidable, but Afghanistan has made great strides since 2001. Canada’s combined resources and expertise on the security, governance and development fronts are playing no small part in helping the Government of Afghanistan secure a better future for its people.